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BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


'i'l'i^ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

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http://www.archive.org/details/adventuresinfarwOOwaitrich 


ADVENTURES 


nr  THB 


FAR  WEST; 


AHD 


LIFE  AMONG  THE  MORMONS, 


BT 

MRS.  G.  V.  WAITE, 

Anthor  of  'The  Mormon  Prophet  and  His  Habbm/' 

"The  Law  of  Social  Retribution,"  "Woman's  Posi- 
tion in  Church  and  Stats,"  etc.  etc. 


CHICAGO: 
C.V.  WAITE  ANB  COMPANY, 

ASV  BOOK  8ELLEES  OENEEALLT. 

1883. 


F  «3„6 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1881,  by 

CATHARINE  V.  WAITE, 

At  the  Library  of  Congress,  in  Washington. 

All  Rights  reserved. 


BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PBEPARINQ  TO  GO  WB8T. 

PAQB 

The  Letter. — The  Appointment.— Lake  Park  Semina- 
ry.—Packing  up. — West  of  the  Mississippi. — Uncle 
Sam's  Boys.— Our  Party .'...      1 

CHAPTER  n. 

BXPERIENCES  IN    CAMP. 

In  Camp.— The  Brinks.— Our  Wagon.— Miss  Julia.— 
The  Professor.— "Home,  Sweet  Home."— Rest. . .      12 

CHAPTER  in. 

NEW  DIFFICULTIES. 

We  break  down.— Jay  Hawkers.— A  Horrid  Night. — 
Oyster  Supper.- More  Trouble.— Sunday  on  the 
PlaiM.— A  Storm. 15 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  IV. 

•    PHxLOSOPHT    AND    WATKB. 

The  Little  Blue.— Philosophical  Discussion. — Crossing 
the  Platte.— Nearly  Drowned.— Over  the  River.        25 

CHAPTER  V. 

WE  JOURNEY  ON. 

An  Indian  Massacre.— Ash  Hollow. — Wild  Roses  and 
Blood.— Climbing  Scott's  Blutf.-  A  Storm  in  Camp. 
—Ft.  Laramie. — Our  guest.— His  Thrilling  Story.    31 

CHAPTER  VI. 

mCIDENTS  OF  TBAVBL. 

Along  the  Platte. — Devil's  Gate. — Rocky  Mountains.- 
An  Indian  Princess. — Our  Camp  attacked  by  In- 
dians.— In  a  State  of  Siege. — Burying  our  Dead. — 
Night  Signals. — Terror. — "We  procure  an  Escort. 
— General  Rejoicing.— Celebrating  the  4th  of  July. 
—Oration  of  Judge  'Drave.— Dance  on  the  Island.      42 

CHAPTER  VII. 

CLOSING  SCENES  AND  TRIALS. 

Crossing  Green  River.— Hurrah  for  the  Rope. — Ft. 
Bridger.— Needle  Rock. — Wahsatch  Mountains. — 
Emigration  Canyon. — We  behold  the  City  of  the 
Saints. — The  Jordan  River. — We  arrive  at  Salt 
Lake  City,  and  put  up  at  the  Townsend  House.         59 

CHAPTER  Vin. 

LIFE  AMONG  THE  MORMONS. 

Mormondom  on  the  Qui  Fm.— We  go  to  Chureh. — 
We  sit  with  the  Prophet's  Wives.— Miss  Julia  is  de- 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

PAOB 
lighted  .-We  attend  a  Tea  Party.— Distant  Thunder. 
—We  visit  Brother  Brigham.— He  shows  the  Clo- 
ven Foot 68 

CHAPTER  IX. 

WE  GET  BETTER  ACQUAINTED  WITH  THE  8AINT8. 

M  ormon  Independence  Day. — ^Anniversary  Ball. — The 
New  Governor  and  Brigham's  Wives. — Miss  Julia 
and  the  Prophet. — The  Green-eyed  Monster. — Trou- 
ble Brewing. — We  are  denounced  in  Church,  and 
sent  to  H— 11  Cross-lots. — Mrs.  Burlingame  and  the 
Mormon  Women. — Horrible  Revelations. — Hand 
Cart  Company— Apostasy. — ^He  Fell  Dead 83 

CHAPTER  X. 

JOURNEY  TO  CARSON  CITY. 

Miss  Julia  Leaves  Salt  Lake. — Governor  Doty  and  the 
Indians. — An  Indian  War  Dance. — The  Enchanted 
Cave. — A  Mountain  Lion. — Arrival  at  Carson.. ..        91 

CHAPTER  XL 

SAUNTERINGS  AROUND  THE  HOLY  CITY. 

A  Lovely  Valley. — The  Temple. — The  Homes  of  the 
Principal  Polygamists. — The  Grand  Harem. — ^The 
Prophet's  Block.— The  Court  House. — The  Council 
House. — ^The  Arsenal. — The  Nauvoo  Legion. — Tith- 
mg. — ^Blood  Atonement. — The  Altar  of  Sacrifice. — 
Killing  the  Body  to  save  the  Soul 07 

CHAPTER  XII. 

HAPPENINGS  m  SALT  LAKE  CTTT. 

A  Polygamous  Community. — Mormon  Wives  are  ini»> 


Viii  CONTENTS. 

FAGB 

erable.— A  Flood  of  Tears.— The  Temple.— Through 
the  Endowments. —Setting  the  Women  Free.— Gen- 
tilish.— We  Visit  a  Patriarch  with  Five  Wives  and 
Twenty-one  Children.— The  Coming  of  the  United 
States  Troops. — Great  Excitement.— Mobbing  the 
Governor  and  Judges.— The  Leaders  forbid  their 
**Women"  to  visit  us 106 

CHAPTER  yrn 

UVB  AT  CAMP  DOUGLAS. 

Wives  of  the  Officers.— Mrs.  Reid,  the  Surgeon-Gen- 
eral's  Wife.— Excursion  tQ  Great  Salt  Lake.— A 
Dead  Sea. — The  Military  Ball.-- General  Connor. — 
The  Valley  of  the  Salt  Lake,  from  the  Camp  Obser- 
vatory.—My  Bitter  Enemy 118 

CHAPTER  XIV 

AN  INSIDE  VIEW  OF  THE  PBCUIilAR  INSTITUTIOH. 

Mrs.  Burlingame  disguised  as  a  mormon  "sister."— 
House  Hunting. — A  Fiend  in  Human  Form. — Chain- 
ed in  a  Dark  Cellar. — A  Raving  Maniac. — *'I  am 
starving. " — Has  your  Husband  taken  a  Second  Wife  ? 
The  "Proxy"  Doctrine.— Married  for  Time.— Hard 
to  marry  two. — ^Married  his  Half-sister. — Married  hia  ' 
Mother-in-law. — Inexorable  Fate 120 

CHAPTER  XV. 

A  PBOSPECTING  EXPEDITIOW. 

A  Mysterious  Visitor. — Six  o'clock  sharp.— He  tells  where 
to  find  the  Gold. — We  go  in  search. — Bingham  Canyon 
rich  as  Cream.— We  locate  Claims.— First  Mines  ever 


IX  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

discovered  by  GteDtiles  in  Utah 182 

CHAPTER  XVL 

MOKMON  MYSTERIES. 

Marrying  for  Eternity. — The  Endowment. — Baptism  for 
the  Dead. — Marrying  for  the  Dead. — Raising  up  Child- 
ren for  their  Dead. — Mormon  Drama. — ^Dramatis  Perso- 
nsB. — Creation  of  the  Earth. — "Let  us  make  Man,"— 
Garden  of  Eden. — Adam  and  Eve. — The  Temptation. — 
The  Fall. — Cursing  the  Serpent. — Restoration  through 
Joseph  Smith. — Grips,  Key-words,  Signs,  and  Oaths. — 
Cursing  the  United  States  Government 137 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

HISTORY  OP  WOMAN. 

The  Ancient  Rabbi  and  the  Rib. — Heathen  Opinions. — Ad- 
am a  Polygamist.— Adam  the  Father  of  Jesus  Christ. — 
Blasphemy. — The  Bible  and  Polygamy. — Abraham  and 
Sarah. — Jacob's  Reward.— God  rewards  the  Faithful 
with  many  Wives *  167 

CHAPTER  XVm. 

▲  bister's  revelation. 

Deceiving  Elders. — Teaching  the  Women  the  Revelation. — 

Refractory   Wives. — Many  First  Wives  Insane. — One 

tried  to  escape. — Attacked  and  murdered. — Gk)ds  and 

Goddesses.— Secret  Orders 175 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

A  VISIT  TO  THE  HAREM. 

Plan  of  the  Harem  or  Lion  House. — Emeline  the  Light  of 
the  Harem. — Domestic  Arrangements. — ^Aunt  Fanny. — 
A  Mormon  Family. — What  the  Women  do.— Brigham 


CONTENTS.  X 

PAGE 

at  Home.— The  Theater. — ^The  Garden  and  Orchard.— 
A  Lovely  Home.— "The  Trail  of  the  Serpent."         185 

CHAPTER  XX. 

THE  WIVES  OP  THE  PROPHET. 

Brigham  Young  and  his  Family. — A  Courtship. — Hiram 
conquers. — A  Model  Son. — Lucy  Decker  Seely,  First 
Wife  in  "Plurality." — Governor  Harding  flirting  with 
the  "Wives. — Plurals. — Vilate  Cole. — Father  and  Daugh- 
ter.— Eliza  R.  Snow,  the  Sweet  Singer  of  Israel. — Clara 
Chase,  the  Maniac. — Mrs.  Cobb,  a  Boston  Lady. — Ame- 
lia.— How  the  Prophet  won  her. — Amelia's  Lovers. — 
A  dangerous  Rival. — Miss  Selima  Ursenbach. — The 
Prophet  in  love  the  thirtieth  Time.— Fooled  by  the  little 
God  Cupid 200 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE  SECRET  ORDERS. 

Our  Visitor. — His  Story. — Apostates. — The  Gladdenites. — 
— ^Persecuting  Apostates. — The  Morrisites. — Brigham's 
Sermon.— The  Bombardment. — The  Massacre. — The 
Mormon  Theocracy. — ^The  Priesthoods. — The  Archees. 
— The  Danites. — Gods  and  Goddesses. — Dr.  Sprague. — 
John  D.  Lee. — The  Sword  of  the  Almighty. — Mormon 
Murders. — Noted  Danites 233 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

SOCIETY  IN    THE   SIERRAS. 

Miss  Julia's  Letter. — We  are  all  Squires. — New  Tear*s  Cal- 
lers.—"A  Dead  Thing."— The  Rival  Candidates.— The 
Skylight  District. — Col.  Sellers. — The  Comstock. — A 
Delightful  Ride. — Julia  goes  to  San  Francisco. — Her 
Admirers. — A  San  Francisco  Lawyer  gets  the  Prize. — 
The  Wedding. 262 


XI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ARRIVAL  OF  THE  JOSEPHITE  MISSIONARIES. 

Fonnding  a  Colony  for  the  Morrisites. — Mr.  Burlingame 
leaves  Salt  Lake  City.— Elder  Briggs  — True  Latter  Day 
Saints. — Their  Creed.— Brigh am  a  Pretender. — "The 
ilillness  of  Time."— Down  with  Polygamy  and  Blood 
Atonement. — Persecuting  the  Josephites. — They  preach 
in  Mrs.  Burlingame's  House. — Attempt  to  burn  down 
the  House.— Brigham  and  Gen.  Connor.— The  Flag  of 
Distress. — Mrs.  Burlingame  and  the  Josephites  leave  the 
City  with  Military  Escorts. — Farewell  to  the  poor  and 
suffering  Sisters. — ^Despair  or  rndiflference. — ^In  Search 
of  new  Adventures. 

APPENDIX. 

A  PANORAMIC  VIEW  OP  MORMONISM. 

Chronological  History.— Mormon  War. — Anti  Polygamy 
Bill. — Garfield  and  the  Mormons. — Guiteau  a  Mormon. 
— Was  Garfield  shot  by  order  of  the  Mormon  Authori- 
ties?—Circumstantial   Evidence:— Will    the    Edmunds 

^      Bill  be  enforced?—Brigham  Younpr  STILL  ALIVE. 


CONTENTS.  X 

PAGE 

at  Home.— The  Theater. — The  Garden  and  Orchard.— 
A  Lovely  Home.— "The  Trail  of  the  Serpent."         186 

CHAPTER  XX. 

THE  WIVES  OF  TiSB  PROPHET. 

Brigham  Toung  and  his  Family. — A  Courtship. — Hiram 
conquers. — A  Model  Son. — ^Lucy  Decker  Seely,  First 
Wife  in  "Plurality." — Governor  Harding  flirting  with 
the  Wives. — Plurals. — Vilate  Cole. — Father  and  Daugh- 
ter.— Eliza  R.  Snow,  the  Sweet  Singer  of  Israel. — Clara 
Chase,  the  Maniac. — Mrs.  Cobb,  a  Boston  Lady. — Ame- 
lia.— How  the  Prophet  won  her. — Amelia's  Lovers. — 
A  dangerous  Rival. — Miss  Selima  Ursenbach. — The 
Prophet  in  love  the  thirtieth  Time.— Fooled  by  the  little 
God  Cupid 200 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE  SECRET  ORDERS. 

Our  Visitor. — His  Story. — Apostates. — The  Gladdenites. — 
— ^Persecuting  Apostates. — The  Morrisites. — Brigham's 
Sermon.T— The  Bombardment. — The  Massacre. — The 
Mormon  Theocracy. — The  Priesthoods. — The  Archees. 
— The  Danites. — Gods  and  Goddesses. — Dr.  Sprague. — 
John  D.  Lee. — The  Sword  of  the  Almighty. — Mormon 
Murders.— Noted  Danites 233 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

SOCIETY  IN    THE   SIERRAS. 

Miss  Julia's  Letter. — We  are  all  Squires. — New  Year's  Cal- 
lers.-" A  Dead  Thing."— The  Rival  Candidates.— The 
Skylight  District. — Col.  Sellers. — The  Comstock. — A 
Delightful  Ride. — Julia  goes  to  San  Francisco. — Her 
Admirers. — A  San  Francisco  Lawyer  gets  the  Prize. — 
The  Wedding. 262 


XI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ARRIVAL  OF  THE  JOSEPHITE  MISSIONARIES. 

Founding  a  Colony  for  the  Morrisites.  —  Mr.  Burlingame 
leaves  Salt  Lake  City.— Elder  Briggs  — True  Latter  Day 
Saints.- -Their  Creed.— Brigham  a  Pretender. — "The 
Inillness  of  Time."— Down  veith  Polygamy  and  Blood 
Atonement. — Persecuting  the  Josephites. — They  preach 
in  Mrs.  Burlingame's  House. — Attempt  to  burn  down 
the  House. — Brigham  and  Gen.  Connor. — The  Flag  of 
Distress. — Mrs.  Burlingame  and  the  Josephites  leave  the 
City  with  Military  Escorts. — Farewell  to  the  poor  and 
suffering  Sisters. — ^Despair  or  Indifference. — ^In  Search 
of  new  Adventures. 

APPENDIX. 

A  PANORAMIC  VIEW  OF  MORMONISM. 

Chronological  History.— Mormon  War. — Anti  Polygamy 
Bill. — Garfield  and  the  Mormons. — Guiteau  a  Mormon. 
— Was  Garfield  shot  by  order  of  the  Mormon  Authori- 
ties?—Circumstantial    Evidence:— Will    the    Edmunds 

,     Bill  be  enforced?— Brigham  Younj?  still  alive. 


ADYENTUEES 

IN 

THE    FAR    WEST. 


CHAPTER  -I. 

^*Will  yon  go?" 

"Where?'' 

«To  the  Far  Wcst.^ 

'*Yes,  if  we  can  have  a  pleasant  company  and 
a  jolly  time." 

The  first  speaker  held  in  her  hand  an  open  let- 
ter, and  her  question  was  based  upon  its  contents. 
The  second  speaker  was  a  young  lady,  enthusias- 
tic, brilliant  and  fond  of  adventure. 

The  first  gun  had  been  fired  upon  Fort  Sunipter, 
and  the  dark  cloud  of  war  over-shadowed  the 
land.  Trade,  commerce  and  all  kinds  of  business 
were  deranged,  and  many  saw  before  them  noth- 
ing but  enlistment  o^  financial  distress.  The 
country  was  just  beginning  to  recover  from  the 
panic  of  1857,  but  tlie  cry  "to  arms,"  sounded 
the  death  knell  of  the  new  prosperity.  Men's 
minds  were  unsettled  and  all  eagerly  grasped  at 
Bomething  new. 


2  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Mr.  Bnrlingame  was  a  prominent  lawyer  in 
the  Garden  City  of  the  West.  He  was  sitting 
one  day  in  his  office,  thinking  how  he  would  a- 
vert  the  calamity  which  threatened  to  sweep  all 
before  it,  when  a  friend  entered. 

"I  am  glad  to  see  you  Mr.  Secretary,  and  have 
just  been  thinking  of  you,  and  of  the  desperate 
condition  of  our  unhappy  country.  The  law 
business  will  be  entirely  prostrated  during  the 
war." 

"Come  with  me,"  said  the  Secretary,  "and  we 
will  find  something  for  you  to  do,  to  keep  you 
out  of  mischief." 

In  three  hours  from  this  conversation,  the  par- 
ties were  en  route  to  Washington.  Mr.  Burlin- 
game  called  upon  President  Lincoln,  with  whom 
he  had  long  been  on  terms  of  intimacy,  and  told 
him  his  errand. 

After  a  pleasant  chat  and  many  reminiscences 
of  "riding  the  circuit" .in  Illinois,  iu  the  early 
day,  Mr.  Lincoln  said,  "I  can't  give  you  the 
place  you  want,  for  old  Judge  S.  and  I  used  to 
sleep  together,  but  I'll  see  what  I  can  do  for 
you."  . 

In  a  week  or  so,  the  Secretary  met  Mr.  Bnr- 
lingame and  told  him  "Old  Abe"  wanted  to  see 
him.  Mr.  Bnrlingame  lost  no  time  in  calling  at 
the  White  House. 


VISIT   TO   WASHINGTON.  3 

He  found  Mr.  Lincoln  in  tlie  beet  of  humor 
and,  after  a  few  pleasantries,  he  said: 

"You  have  been  an  old-line  Abolitionist,  and 
have  a  "heap  of  grit,"  for  your  size.  JNow  I 
want  somebody  to  go  out  to  Utah,  to  keep  the 
"saints"  in  order.  I  have  got  to  send  a  "new 
lot,"  and  you  can  go,  if  you  feel  like  it.  The 
saints  are  rather  fractious.  They  have  just 
horsewhi  pped  Governor  D.  and  sent  iiim  home, 
and  have  made  it  too  hot  for  the  rest,  but  I 
mean  to  send  some  men,  this  time,  that  they 
can't  scare." 

"Well,  Mr.  President,"  said  Mr.  Burlingamc 
"this  is  a  horse  of  another  color,  and  looks  a  lit- 
tle warlike.  I'll  think  about  it  and  let  you 
know." 

"All  right,"  said  the  kind-hearted  President 
and  they  parted. 

Mr.  Burlingame  immediately  wrote  to  his 
wife,  to  know  if  she  would  accompany  him,  in 
case  he  accepted  the  place. 

Mrs.  Burlingame  and  Miss  Julia,  the  sister  of 
Mr.  Burlingame,  were  the  speakers.  They  now 
discussed  the  plan,  and  the  novelty  of  the  jour- 
ney, the  radical  change  that  it  would  bring  from 
the  daily  round  of  school  work,  housekeeping, 
etc.,  proved  too  much  for  them  to  resist,  and 
they  decided  to  go.     Accordingly,  a  letter  was 


4  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

despatched  to  Washington;  Mr.  Burlingame  ac- 
cepted the  position,  and  immediately  turned  his 
face  homeward. 

^  The  arrival  of  Mr.  Burlingame  at  Lake  Park 
Seminary  created  no  little  excitement  among  its 
occupants.  The  Seminary  was  advertised  for 
rent,  "furnished,"  and  the  school  to  be  carried 
on  by  the  lessee. 

Groups  of  young  ladies  were  to  be  seen  almost 
everywhere,  discussing  the  situation.  Some 
said  they  didn't  believe  Mrs.  Burlingame  and 
Miss  Julia  would  go  at  all.  This  would  all  blow 
over  in  a  few  days  and  everything  would  go  on 
as  usual. 

"If  you  think,''  said  Clara  Wilbur,  "that  our 
Principal  is  that  kind  of  a  woman,  you  are  mis- 
taken in  her.  She  will  go,  and  you»  may  as  well 
make  up  your  minds  to  have  another  teacher." 

"I  don't  see  what  Miss  Julia  wants  to  go  away 
out  there  among  those  dreadful  Mormons  for, 
any  way,"  said  sweet  I^ellie  Mayo.  "I  think  she 
has  a  real  nice  time,  now." 

"That's  all  you  know  about  it,"  snapped  Clara, 
"I  don't  blame  her  one  bit  for  going;  she's  tired 
ol  hearing  bad  lessons  and  living  such  a  hum- 
drum kind  of  life.  I'd  go,  too,  if  I  had  the 
chance." 

Several  answers  came  to  the   advertisement 


Preparing  for  a  start.  5 

and  the  choice  fell  upon  a  minister  of  the 
Episcopal  Church.  The  young  ladies  were  quite 
reconciled  when  they  found  they  were  to  have  a 
gentleman  for  Principal,  and  voted  him  a  *love 
of  a  man.' 

Clara  Wilbur,  with  her  usual  sagacity,  said, 
'*You'll  find  you  won't  like  him.  You'll  find 
we've  caught  a  "Tartar." 

The  Trustees  and  minister  remonstrated  with 
Mrs.  Burlingame  against  going:  but  it  was  no 
use,  her  mind  was  made  up,  and  she  said,  she 
never  put  her  hand  to  the  plow  and  turned  back. 

The  Seminary  disposed  of,  the  Burlingames 
turned  their  attention  to  getting  ready  "to  cross 
the  plains." 

A  council  of  war  was  held,  and  it  was  decided 
not  to  go  without  everything,  but  to  try  and 
make  the  journey  comfortable.  Mrs.  Burlin- 
game thought  that  the  common  emigrant  wagon 
was  too  small  for  family  use.  Mr.  B.  immedi- 
ately proposed  to  have  one  built  to  her  order, 
that  should  combine  comfort  with  safety,  and  in- 
sure a  delightful  trip.  They  were  to  go  by  cars 
to  the  Missouri  river,  and  thence  by  wagons  to 
Salt  Lake  City,  a  distance  of  over  one  thousand 
miles. 

The  question  of  next  importance  was  what  to 
take,  but  it  soon  resolved  itself  into   the  more 


b  ADVENTUEES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

difficult  one  of  what  to  leave.  A  family  of  seven 
were  to  be  provided  with  bedding,  clothing,  pro- 
visions, medicines  and  all  the  etceteras,  which 
belong  to  family  life.  One  wagon  was  to  convey 
all  these  things  besides  the  seven  persons. 

"Miss  Julia,"  said  Mrs.  Burlingame,  "I  wish 
you  would  come  and  give  your  opinion.  The 
cook  thinks  we  must  have  this  barrel  full  of  cook- 
ing  utensils  and  they  are  too  heavy.  ''Well 
mum,"  said  Bridget,  "sure  an  ye  must  a,te,  an 
ye  must  drink  an  sure  ye  must  have  things  to 
bake,  fry  and  boil  with."  "The  fiat  has  gone 
forth,"  said  Miss  Julia,  "and  the  things  must 
go."  The  laundi:ess  next  gave  it  as  her  opinion 
that  very  few  cooking  things  would  do  but 
people  must  keep  clean,  and  that  two  wash  tubs, 
a  wash  board  and  two  flats  wore  little  enough  in 
all  conscience.  Thus,  through  all  departments  of 
housekeeping  and  after  many  weary  and  perplex- 
ing days,  the  packing  was  done.  Other 
arrangements  went  on  well.  The  vehicle  was 
built  and  forwarded  to  the  Missouri  iCiver,  as 
was  most  of  the  freight. 

Now,  it  was  plain  that  good,  stout  steeds  would 
be  needed  to  propel  the  aforesaid  vehicle,  and  as 
Mr.  Yane  was  a  good  judge  ot  horso.  flesh,  he 
agreed  to  precede  the  party  and  to  meet  them  at 
the  Missouri  with  the  required  animals. 


West  of  the  Mississippi.  7 

The  wliole  party  were  to  go  as  suited  them 
best,  and  meet  upon  a  certain  fixed  day  at  the 
Missouri  Kiver. 

Miss  Julia  had  gone  to  visit  friends  on  the 
way  and  would  join  them  at  Hannibal,  Missouri, 
'  I  lind  the  I'ollowing  in  Mrs.  Bnrlingame's 
diary. 

May  5,  1862. 

"On  this  beautiful  spring  morning,  I  find  niy- 
self  all  ready,  with  my  little  family,  to  enter 
upon  a  long  and  perilous  journey,  through  a 
country  inhabited  by  Indians  and  swarming 
with  wild  beasts. 

I  believe  I  am  in  the  path  of  duty  and  shall 
go  forth  with  a  light  heaft  and  a  firm  tread." 

"It  is  all  over.  The  parting  adieus  have  been 
said  and  we  are  riding  along  in  the  luxurious 
cars  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quiucy  R.li. 
as  if  we  were  on  a  pleasure  trip." 

Tuesday,  May  6th. 

We  arrived  all  right,  this  evening,  at  the  Bar- 
rett House,  Burlington,  Iowa,  have  had  a  good 
supper  and  are  feeling  much  refreshed.  A  gov- 
ernment officer  has  just  called  at  the  hotel  to  in- 
spect our  baggage.  This.red-tape  operation  and 
the  remark  that  a  government  "fleet"  was  ex- 
pected down  during  the  night,  were  the  only 
circumstances  to  remind  us  of  war;  except  that 


8  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

we  met  a  regiment  of  soldiers  at  East  Burlington. 

We  have  had  calls  from  some  very  pleasant 
friends,  this  evening,  and  shall  feel  quite  refresh- 
ed to  renew  our  journey,  on  the  morrow. 

Thursday,  May  8th. 

Yesterday  morning,  we  took  the  packet,  "Jen- 
ny Whipple,"  and  had  a  pleasant  ride  down  the 
Mississippi  to  Fort  Madison,  my  former  home. 

It  seems  good  to  meet  with  the  tried  and  true 
friends  who  were  so  kind  and  generous  to  me, 
when  I  came  among  them,  years  ago,  as  a  coun- 
try school  ma'am. 

At  my  brother's  hospitable  mansion,  we  are 
receiving  and  entertaining  our  friends,  and  hav- 
ing a  season  of  social  enjoyment  that  will  long 
be  remembered. 

Friday,  May  9th. 

Parting  with  our  kind  friends  and  dear  rela- 
tives at  Fort  Madison,  we  took  boat  for  Hannibal/^ 
Missouri.  Here  we  found  sister  Julia  awaiting 
us.  Our  freight  being  all  right,  we  made  haste 
to  catch  the  train  for  St.  Joseph  and,  as  I  write, 
we  are  smoothly  gliding  along  over  the  Hannibal 
&  St.  Joe  K.R.,  enjoying  the  balmy  breath  of 
spring,  in  this  mild  climate,  and  inhaling  the 
odors  of  the  blossoming  woods,  fragrant  with  a 
wealth  of  wild  fruits  and  fiowers. 

At  several  points  on  the  route,  Companies  of 


tJNCLE    SAM^S    BOYS.  9 

soldiers  are  encamped  to  guard  the  R.B.  track, 
whicli  forcibly  reminds  us  that  we  are  in  the 
"enemy's  country." 

The  children  are  having  a  gay  time  and  en- 
joying the  ride  immensely.  Some  gentlemen 
have  just  brought  in,  for  them,  large  branches 
of  dogwood  and  red  bud  blossoms.  They  are  in 
ecstasies  over  the  red  and  white  flowers  and  are 
wildly  exclaiming, '^Mamma!"  "Auntiel"  "How 
beautiful  they  look,  and  how  sweet  they  smell  I" 

While  the  children  have  been  enjoying  them- 
selves with  the  flowers,  sister  Julia  and  I  have 
been  getting  dinner  on  the  cars.  We  have  a  lit- 
tle spirit  lamp,  so  arranged  that  we  can  made  tea 
on  it,  and,  but  for  the  danger  of  its  oversetting 
and  exploding  with  the  motion  of  the  cars,  we  can 
do  very  well  with  it.  We  have  our  lunch  bas- 
ket, well  stored,  and,  with  a  good  cup  of  tea,  we 
have  made  out  a  very  comfortable  meal. 

What  a  great  convenience  it  would  be  to  have 
a  dining  car  attached  to  the  train.  It  is  almost 
impossible  to  get  out  to  meals,  with  children, 
at  the  eating  stations. 

We  are  now  drawing  near  the  mighty  Mis- 
souri, which,  I  think,  ought  to  be  called  "the 
Father  of  Waters,"  rather  than  the  Mississippi. 
Rising  in  the  very  heart  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, and  rolling  in  majestic  grandeur    to    its 


10  ADVENTURES  IN  THtJ  FAR  WEST. 

union  with  the  Mississippi,  whose  destiny  and 
character  it  changes  and  controls,  it  is  truly  the 
great  arterial  current  of  this  continent.  Strong, 
turbulent  and  unmanageable,  it  is  a  fitting  ex- 
ponent of  one  of  the  most  powerful  elements 
in  nature. 

Saturday,  May  10th. 

We  arrived  Friday  evening  at  St.  Joseph, 
Missouri,  and  are  stopping  at  the  Patee  House. 

It  is  a  great  luxury  to  find  a  pleasant, 
home-like  hotel,  and  to  have  every  want  at- 
tended to  by  careful,  well-trained  servants- 
We  are  resting  and  preparing  for  the  fatigues 
of  the  journey  before  us. 

Our  party  are  arriving  one  after  another. 
This  evening,  my  brother,  Mr.  Yane,  came  in 
with  the  horses.  They  are  nice  ones  and  will, 
I  hope,  prove  equal  to  the  task  before  them. 
Mr.  Brink,  who  is  to  conduct  our  train  across 
the  plains,  is  here  witli  his  family.  Judge 
Drave,  Mr.  Burlingame's  associate,  has  also 
arrived.  He  is  an  old  gentleman,  but  very 
pleasant  and  of  a  courtly  demeanor,  reminding 
one  of  "ye  judges  of  ye  olden  time."  The  flow- 
ing and  powdered  wig  and  the  judicial  robes, 
would  well  become  this  stately  and  dignified 
man  of  "Eoman  mien." 

Ex- Alderman  Saxton  and  Mr.  Perry,  who  are 


OtJE  PARTST.  11 

en  route  to  the  Sandwich  Islands  for  their  health, 
are  here.  Mr.  Braddish,  a  Chicago  lawyer,  with 
his  wife  and  son,  are  to  be  of  our  party  and  are 
hourly  expected.  Sister  Julia  tells  me  that  Pro- 
fessor Goodhue  and  Mr.  Belfield,  whom  she  met 
in  St.  Louis,  are  to  join  our  party.  Prof.  Good- 
hue is  interested  in  the  geology  of  the  country; 
and  Mr.  Belfield  is  connected  with  the  Press. 
We  are  anticipating  a  very  pleasant  journev, 
having,  as  we  think,  unusually  pleasant  company. 

We  are  looking  for  Gov.  H.,  who  has  agreed 
to  join  us  here. 

We  are  having  a  very  pleasant  time  in  St.  Joe. 
Mr.  Yane  and  Mr.  Burlingame  are  preparing 
everything  necessary  for  camp  life.  We  are  go- 
ing into  camp  in  two  or  three  days.  We  are  re- 
ceiving every  attention  and  assistance  from  the 
citizens.  This  is  an  enterprising  and  growing- 
city,  and  bids  fair  to  be  one  of  the  largest  cities 
of  the  West. 

The  children,  especially  little  Madge,  the  baby, 
have  been  ailing,  and  I  dread  the  journey  on 
their  account.  1  have  been  told,  however,  that 
camp  life  is  very  good  for  children  and  that  they 
will  stand  this  mode  of  travel  better  than  an 
adult. 

Well !  we  shall  soon  have  to  try  the  realities  of 
"Camp  Life.'' 


CHAPTEE  IL 

m  CAMP. 

The  snn  rose  on  this  May  morning  like  a  ball 
of  lire.  Early,  he  sent  up  rays  of  red  and  purple, 
which  faded,  before  his  majestic  arrival,  into  a 
dull  glare. 

About  nine  o'  clock,  it  was  announced  that 
the  carriage  was  ready  to  take  the  ladies  into 
camp.  With  an  lindefinable  dread,  they  gather- 
ed up  their  things,  got  the  children  ready,  and 
left  the  hotel,  which  had  been  their  pleasant 
home  for  several  days,  and  proceeded  to  the 
camp. 

In  the  camp,  all  was  bustle  and  confusion. 
The  Brinks  were  at  breakfast.  A  long,  low  ta- 
ble, made  of  two  wide  planks,  so  arrange^  as  to 
fold  up  and  slip  easily  into  the  wagon,  was  fur- 
nished with  tin  cups  and  platterSj^  steel  forks  and 
pewter  spoons.  The  food  was  equally  plain,  con- 
sisting of  coffee,  black,  that  is,  without  cream, 


OUR  WAGON.  13 

bacon,  beans  and  hard  bread.  Not  a  superfluous 
article  was  to  be  seen  in  any  direction. 

The  Brinks  had  crossed  the  plains  a  number 
of  times.  The  meal  over,  everything  was  put 
away  in  a  few  minutes,  ready  for  a  start.  The 
vehicle,  in  which  Mr.  Burlingame  was  to  convey 
his  family,  was  the  centre  of  attraction.  The 
common  emigrant  wagon  would  almost  go  inside 
of  it.  Beside  being  much  longer  and  higher 
than  the  common  wagon,  it  was  set  up  on  springs, 
which  made  it  tower  above  all  surrounding  ob- 
jects. It  was  so  arranged  inside,  that  by  placing 
slats  across,  very  comfortable  beds  could  be  made 
up.  Boxes  for  provisions  were  arranged  along 
the  sides  and  served  also  for  seats  during  the 
day. 

The  Burlingames  had  all  kinds  of  provisions 
and  everything  to  make  them  comfortable,  and 
yet  they  were  not  without  a  secret  misgiving, 
that,  after  all,  they  were  not  so  well  prepared  for 
their  journey  as  their  more  experienced  com- 
panions. 

Four  horses  were  required  to  draw  this  outfit 
and  Mr.  Burlingame,  Mr.  Yane  and  Hardin,  the 
driver,  were  busy  getting  their  teams  ready  for 
a  start.  It  is  no  easy  matter  to  get  four  horses, 
total  strangers  to  each  other,  to  work  together. 
One  chafed  under  the  harness  and  would  not  be 


14     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

comforted;  another  was  fractious  and  would  not 
draw.  After  great  difficulty  and  n,uch  exhaus- 
tion, under  a  boilinor  sun,  the  Biirlingarne  outfit 
got  under  way. 

The  party  crossed  the  Missouri  River  to  Ei- 
wood,  and  after  traveling  about  seven  miles,  ov^er 
roads  full  of  ruts  and  holes,  encamped  for  the 
night. 

The  extreme  heat  was  followed  by  a  sharp 
frost  and  chilly  atmosphere,  which  was  very  try- 
ing to  our  travelers  on  this  first  night  in  camp. 
However,  they  made  the  best  of  it,  and,  as  they 
were  encamped  in  a  lovely  spot,  they  made  up  a 
rousing  fire,  and,  gathering  round  it  after  supper, 
the-  more  experienced  of  the  party  tried  to  cheer 
up  the  novices  and  bade  them  hope  for  the  best. 

As  they  were  all  seated  round  the  fire,  telling 
stories  of  adventures  this  one  and  that  had  met 
with  in  days  gone  by,  the  Professor,  who  was 
conversing  with  Miss  Julia,  no  doubt  upon  the 
geological  formation  of  the  country,  suddenly 
espied  something,  which,  upon  examination 
proved  to  be  a  guitar. 

All  eyes  were  at  once  directed  to  Miss  Julia, 
and  "A  song,  a  song,"  echoed  and  re-echoed 
from  all  sides.  Miss  Julia  took  the  instrument, 
and  in  her  own  inimitable  style,  sang,  "Home, 
Sweet  Home."     As   the   tender   and   touching 


GOOD      NIGHT.  15 

strains  floated  upon  the  clear  air,  in  that  wild  and 
lonely  spot,  every  eye  moistened  and  every  heart 
grew  sad.  As  the  fire  grew  low,  and  the  stars 
brighter,  "Good  Night,"  was  said,  and  the 
travelers  retired  to  rest. 


CHAPTER  IIL 

JSTEW      DIFFICULTIES. 

A  good  night's  rest  and  a  warm  breakfast  gave 
our  travelers  fresh  courage  and  the  whole  cam]> 
was  in  motion  at  a  very  early  hour.  The  Biirl- 
iugames,  having  a  more  elaborate  outfit,  were 
rather  behind  the  balance  of  the  train  in  getting 
started.  They  made  very  good  time  until  thev 
reached  Troy.  Here  they  stopped  to  take  on 
horse-feed.  Mules  will  live  where  horses  will 
starve;  the  latter  must  have  grain, to  enable  them 
to  work,  while  mules  will  do  very  well  on  grass. 

In  addition  to  the  heavy  load  already  on,  Mr. 
Burlingame  took  on  about  500  pounds  of  horse- 
tV  ed.  This  was  put  mainly  on  the  front  axle. 
The  roads  were  very  full  of  ruts  and  they  had 
not  gone  more  than  two  miles,  when  the  wagon 
struck  a  deep  rut,  a  crash   was  heard,   and  the 


16  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

bolster  over  the  forward  axle-tree  broke  in  the 
centre.  Thus  disabled,  there  was  nothing  to  do 
but  to  send  back  to  Troy  and  have  a  new  axle-tree 
made,  but,  as  this  was  not  to  be  done  in  a  min- 
ute, the  Burlingames  could  go  no  farther.  Their 
party  had  gone  on  ahead,  and  they  remained  a- 
lone,  all  day  and  night,  on  the  lonely  road,  in  the 
midst  of  the  Jay- Hawkers  of  Kansas. 

This  accident  greatly  disheartened  Mrs.  Burl- 
ingame  and  Miss  Julia,  but  they  resolved  to  be 
brave  and  go  ahead,  never  dreaming:  that  this 
was  but  as  a  drop  to  the  ocean,  in  comparison  to 
what  they  were  yet  to  endure. 

Knowing*nothing  of  the  dangers  and  difficul- 
ties of  the  way,  they  had  but  little  to  fear,  but 
had  they  known  what  was  in  store  for  them,  they 
would  have  gone  back  at  once,  and  this  history 
would  never  have  been  written.  Towards  night, 
the  new  bolster  was  completed  and  placed  in 
position,  but  too  late  to  go  on.  But  little  sleep 
was  had  by  any  one  on  this,  their  second  night 
in  camp.  The  first  was  wild,  weird  and  solemn, 
but  the  second  was  terrible  in  its  utter  loneliness, 
and  io  the  fear  of  danger  from  surrounding  ene- 
mies. "What  if  the  Jay-Hawkers  should  steal 
our  horses,"  said  Miss  Julia.  "In  Heaven's 
name,  what  should  we  do?"  "Hark!  Hush!"  whis- 
pered   Mrs.    Burlingame,   "I    hear    somebody 


JAY  HAWKERS.  17 

coming.  I  do  believe  we  shall  have  our  horses 
stolen  and,  perhaps,  lose  our  own  lives." 

Mr.  Burlingame  and  Hardin  kept  vigilant 
watch,  bj  tnrns,  but  three  o'clock  came  and  no 
Jay  Hawker.  So  the  ladies  prepared  an  early 
breakfast  and,  all  things  being  ready,  they  start- 
ed on,  about  five  o'clock,  and  drove  about  eight- 
een miles,  where  they  found  the  remainder  of 
the  party  awaiting  them. 

By  this  time,  it  had  become  evident  that  the 
Burlingame  outfit  was  entireh^  too  comfortable, 
and  something  must  be  done  or  they  would  nev- 
er reach  their  destination.  A  council  was  held 
in  camp,  in  which  it  was  decided  to  metamor- 
phose the  aforesaid  vehicle.  Accordingly,  the 
upper  part  of  the  wagon-bed  was  taken  out  and 
the  wagon-bed  and  top  made  shorter  and  narrow- 
er. The  ladies  were  told  that  the  wagon  must 
be  lightened,  and  that  they  must  throw  the 
heaviest  things  overboard. 

"Just  to  think,"  said  Miss  Julia,  "after  all  the 
time  we  spent  selecting  and  packing,  that  we 
now  have  got  to  throw  away  everything.  It  is 
too  bad.  Why  didn't  we  have  two  small  wagons 
and  then  we  could  have  had  one  for  the-  things, 
and  one  for  the  family." 

"Dear  me,"  said  Mrs.  Burlingame,  "it  is  a  sad 
condition  we  are  in,  but  we  must  make  the  be^t 


18  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

of  it  and  get  through  somehow." 

With  this,  she  commenced  lightening  np  and 
the  cooking  utensils,  wash-tubs,  flatirons,  etc., 
were  cast  out  with  right  good  will.  About  half 
the  feed  was  also  left  behind,  for  some  more  ex- 
perienced emigrant  to  pick  up.  Thus  trimmed 
and  reefed,  the  ship  sailed  on  over  the  prairies, 
but  fresh  troubles  awaited  our  unfortunate 
party. 

After  all  was  done,  and  the  bill  of  repairs  paid, 
Mr.  Burlingame  said  to  his  wife,  "My  dear,  the 
gentlemen  of  the  parly  have  been  very  kind  and 
have  assisted  me  very  much  in  rigging  up  the 
old  ship,  suppose  we  give  an  oyster  supper." 

"A  capita]  idea,"  assented  Mrs.  Burlingame, 
"and  quite  a  novelty,  an  oyster  supper  on  the 
plains.     It  shall  be  done." 

Great  preparations  were  made.  The  supper 
was  laid  in  style,  the  white  napery  and  silver 
brought  out  and,  with  all  the  drawbacks,  the 
table  did  look  splendidly. 

The  ladies  of  the  party  all  assisted.  The  gen- 
tlemen pat  on  society  manners  and  were  as 
polite  and  attentive  to  the  ladies,  as  if  they  were 
in  an  elegant  drawing-room.  Everybody  forgot 
the  troubles  of  the  past  and  voted  the  party  an 
unrivalled  success. 

Having  remodeled  the  wagon,   and   lightened 


MORE    TEOUBLB.  19 

the  load  by  throwing  away  many  pounds  of  su- 
perfluous matter,  such  as  flatirons,  washtubs, 
kettles  and  about  two  hundred  pounds  of  horse- 
feed,  our  travelers  flattered  themselves  that 
everything  would  now  go  on  smoothly  and  that 
their  troubles  were  at  an  end. 

The  following,  from  the  Journal  of  Mr.  Bur- 
lingame,  will  show  how  soon  their  hopes  were  to 
be  blasted,  and  in  how  many  unexpected  ways 
troubles  came  upon  them. 

Wednesday,  May  21. 

This  morning,  the  horse,  George,  was  taken 
sick,  apparently  with  the  cholic.  We  drenched 
him  and  started  on,  leaving  camp  at  half  past 
nine  A.  M. 

Traveled  about  eighteen  miles  and  encamped 
near  a  stream  of  water.  Here,  a  serious  acci- 
dent happened,  entirely  disabling  our  best 
horse.  He  took  fright  at  a  tin  bucket,  which 
•the  driver  was  carrying  on  his  back  with  water 
for  the  camp,  and  ran,  tearing  the  saddle  to 
pieces,  cutting  his  fore  foot  badly  and  spraining 
his  hips  and  perhaps  his  spine.  He  is  so  badly 
injured  that  I  fear  it  will  be  impossible  for  us  to 
travel  with  him,  for  several  days.  To  complete 
the  chapter  of  accidents,  I  left  my  revolver  at 
Kinnikuk,  and  was  obliged  to  go  back,  three 
miles,  after  it,  at  ten  o'clock  at  night. 


20  ADVENTUEES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

We  stopped  so  long  at  Kinnikuk,  to  get  our 
wagon  fixed  that  we  were  late  in  making  camp. 
The  weather  was  cold,  and  damp;  altogether,  we 
had  a  hard  night  of  it. 

Thursday,  May  22. 

To-day,  we  managed  to  go  fifteen  miles  with 
our  injured  horse.  We  stopped  at  the  house  of 
a  Mr.  McEay,  where  we  stayed  all  night,  and 
next  morning,  traded  ofi'  Rufus,  the  lame  horse, 
for  a  black  mare,  worth  about  eighty  dollars, 
giving  forty  dollars  to  boot.  Before  the  acci. 
dent,  Rufus  was  well  worth  one  hundred  and  fif- 
ty dollars.  We  were  all  attached  to  him  and 
parted  from  the  poor  iellow  with  many  regrets. 

We  found  Mr.  McRay  a  good  specimen  oi 
prairie  borderer,  frank,  good-natured  and  warm- 
hearted, but  looking  out  pretty  sharply  for  the 
main  chance.  For  supper,  breakfast,  and  lodg- 
ing, we  gave  him  a  feather  bed  and  a  blanket. 

Friday,  May  23. 

To-day,  we  drove,  with  our  newly  organized 
team,  eighteen  miles,  to  Seneca,  the  county  seat 
of  Nemaha  county,  where  we  encamped  for  the 
night.  George  still  remaining  sick,  we  decided 
to  buy  another  horse,  if  possible,  and  put  George 
under  the  saddle. 

Saturday,  May  24. 

Bought  a  new  horse,  this  morning,  for  ninety 


SUNDAY.  21 

* 

dollars,  and  pushed  on  to  Yermillion  Creek, 
twenty-four  miles.  Here  we  overtook  the  party 
of  W.  H.  Kussell,  of  Lexington,  Mo.  They  are 
a  pleasant  and  intelligent  party,  provided  with 
all  the  conveniences  for  camp  life.  We  encamp- 
ed in  a  beautiful  grove,  on  Yermillion  Creek, 
having  now  traveled  about  one  hundred  miles 
from  St.  Joe,  in  seven  days. 

Sunday,  May  25. 

This  is  a  beautitul  Sunday  morning.  With 
the  bright  sun  sending  his  warm  rays  down 
through  the  trees,  and  the  breeze  playing  freshly 
an^ong  them,  we  cheerfully  prepare  our  break- 
fast and  get  ready  to  proceed  on  our  journey.  It 
is  not  our  intention  to  travel  on  Sunday,  but  we 
have  got  behind  our  train  and  are  obliged  to  take 
this  day  to  overtake  them. 

Later.  We  have  traveled  twelve  miles  since, 
over  a  road,  rough,  but  otherwise  good,  and  are 
encamped  with  Brink's  company,  near  Morris- 
ville.  During  the  eight  days  that  we  have 
traveled,  we  have  only  made  camp  with  our  par- 
ty twice.  We  have  been  exposed  to  the  Kansas 
Jay  Hawkers  and  other  stray  outlaws  that  in- 
fest this  country,  but  have  been  unmolested,  so 
far. 

The  ladies  have  been  wonderfully  sick  of  their 
romantic  journey  and  would   gladly   return,    to 


22  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

Chicago,  if  th'ey  could.  Mrg.  B.  says  she  cer- 
tainly would  go  back,  if  she  had  not  told  the 
"minister,"  when  he  prophesied  her  teturn,  that 
she  "never  put  her  hand  to  the  plow  and  turned 
back."  Considering  the  trials  and  diflSculties 
we  have  encountered,  the  ladies  have  certainl}- 
shown  remarkable  endurance  and  determination. 

Monday,  May  26. 

This  morning,  I  was  obliged  to  get  one  of  the 
horses  shod,  which  delayed  us  so  long  that  we 
again  got  behind  our  train.  Brink  pushed  on  to 
Rocky  Creek,  thirty  miles.  We  traveled  about 
twenty-three  miles  and  encamped  with  a  siiiall 
party  of  emigrants,  with  whom  we  had  traveled 
occasionally,  for  several  days. 

These  people  were  from  Missouri  and  Arkan- 
sas, and  were  leaving  their  homes  on  account  oi 
the  war,  to  seek  new  ones  in  California  and  Ore- 
gon. They  belonged  to  the  class  known  as  poor 
whites,  and  were  about  as  destitute  of  worldly 
goods  as  they  could  well  be.  They  had  cows 
joked  together  for  teams,  in  some  cases,  and 
several  families  clubb.ed  together  and  carried 
their  outfit  in  one  "Prairie  Schooner." 

The  men,  women  and  children,  most  of  them 
walked,  and  when  they  struck  camp,  they  milked 
the  cows  and  baked  "corn  dodgers,"  for  theii- 
supper.      We  found  many  kind  hearts   beneath 


BTOEM   ON   THE    PLAINS,  23 

their  rough  exteriors,  and  they  were  ever  ready 
to  extend  a  helping  hand.  We  bought  milk  of 
them,  and,  as  'misery  loves  company,'  we  struck 
up  qui  te  a  friendship  for  each  other. 

Tuesday,  May  28. 

We  encamped  last  night  on  the  open  prairie, 
on  a  sloping  hill  side.  The  weather  was  very 
sultry,  and '  the  muttering  thunder  and  vivid 
lightning  portended  the  coming  storm.  We  had 
often  heard  of  the  terrible  storms  of  wind  and 
rain  on  the  plains,  but  our  preconceived  ideas 
paled  before  the  dreadful  reality.  After  all  was 
arranged  for  the  night  and  the  horses  made  fast 
to  the  wagon  for  fear  of  a  "stampede,"  we  tried 
to  sleep  but  the  prospect  of  the  coming  storm 
prevented.  About  ten  o'clock  the  storm  broke 
forth  upon  us  with  all  its  fury.  The  wind  blew 
a  perfect  hurricane,  the  rain  fell  in  torrents  and 
the  inky  darkness  was  only  relieved  by  the 
vivid  flashes  of  lightning. 

The  horses  being  fastened  on  the  lower  side 
of  the  wagon,  made  frantic  efforts  to  get  loose, 
which  came  near  oversetting  the  wagon.  I 
clung  with  all  my  might  to  the  upper  hind 
wheel  on  the  "Outside,  while  the  ladies  threw  all 
their  weight  on  the  inside  at  the  same  point. 

The  combined  roar  of  the  wind  and  rain  was 
so  great  that  I  could  not  make   the  ladies  hear 


24  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

my  voice,  just  inside  the  wagon,  though  I  shout- 
ed with  all  the  power  of  my  lungs,  holding  the 
wagon  cover  open  at  the  same  time.  The  tent 
had  blown  down,  instantly,  at  the  beginning  of 
the  storm,  and  Hardin  the  driver  was  under,  and 
managed  to  hold  it  down  over  him,  thus  keeping 
himself  dry  and  comfortable  and  leaving  me  to 
manage  the  best  I  could.  When  I  asked  him 
why  he  did  not  come  out  and  help  me,  he  said; 
"I  was  taking  care  of  the  tent." 

I  shuddered  to  think  what  the  consequences 
would  have  been  if  the  wagon  had  been  blown 
over,  and  women  and  children  thrown  under  the 
feet  of  four  horses,  and  a  roaring  torrent  rushing 
headlong  a  few  rods  distant. 

As  soon  as  we  could  see,  we  gathered  up  our 
scattered  traps,  and  though  drenched  to  the  skin, 
harnessed  up  before  breakfast  and  drove  on  Rock 
Creek  seven  miles,  when  we  found  our  company 
in  camp. 

We  found  that  our  friends  had  encountered  a 
storm,  but  nothing  like  as  violent  as  the  one  we 
had  witnessed,  as  they  were  on  the  timber. 

We  dried  our  clothing  and  bedding,  cooked 
and  ate  a  good  warm  breakfast  agd  drove  on  the 
Little  Sandy  fifteen  miles,  near  which  we  en- 
camped for  the  night. 

Here  we  had  a  good  night's  reet.  and  hoping* 


THE   LITTLE   BLUE.  25 

we  were  at  last  through  with  the  worst  of  our 
accidents  and  fatigues,  we  started  fresh  upon 
our  journey. 


OHAPTEE    lY. 


PHILOSOPHY  AND  WATER. 

The  Little  Blue  is  a  beautiful  stream  of  pure 
water  and  flows  gently  along  between  banks  cov- 
ered with  verdure,  and  fragrant  with  wild  fruits 
and  flowers.  Our  weary  travelers  enjoyed  the 
picturesque  scenery  greatly,  and  in  their  enjoy- 
ment of  the  present,  forgot  the  horrors  of  the 
past. 

After  a  delightful  day,  they  encamped  in  a 
lovely  grove,  on  the  banks  of  the  river. 

Only  those  who  have  passed  through  similar 
experiences,  can  fully  understand  how  perfectly 
happy  our  company  were,  when,  after  a  good 
supper,  they  gathered  round  the  glowing  camp 
fire. 

Miss  Julia,  for  the  first  time  in  many  days, 
brought  out  her  guitar  and  sang  several  of  her 
sweetest  songs.     A.11  were  entranced;  the  music, 


26     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

the  solemn  stillness,  the  quiet  stars  looking  down 
upon  this  little  handful  of  people,  far  from  the 
busy  haunts  of  men,  cast  a  shadow  over  all  and 
for  a  few  moments  no  one  uttered  a  word. 

The  Professor  was  the  first  to  break  the  spell. 
He  said  "In  moments  like  these,  how  man  sinks 
into  insignificance!  How  nature  surrounds  and 
absorbs  him!  A  mere  speck  on  her  bosom,  he 
is  wholly  dependent  on  his  generous  mother. 
Earth.  He  appears  upon  the  scene,  frets  out 
his  brief  day,  disappears;  and  the  stars  shine 
on,  the  earth  revolves,  nature  smiles  and  frowns 
as  usual,  and  scarce  a  ripple  is  produced  on 
the  broad  ocean  of  time  to  note  that  he  has 
either  lived  or  died." 

"I  had  supposed,"  said  Miss  Joilia,  "that 
man,  instead  of  being  a  mere  accident  of  na- 
ture. Was  her  highest  form  and  crowning  act, 
and  combined  in  himself,  the  Universe;  that 
all  nature  was  made  for  him  and  that  this 
earth, was  thrown  into  its  orbit,  with  its  days 
and  nights,  its  seasons  and  harvests,  its  gold- 
en treasures,  its  azure  skies  and  sparkling 
waters,  to  minister  to  the  wants  and  tastes  ol 
the  beings  who  came  from  the  hand  of  Deity, 
pure,  noble  and  God-like. 

While  Miss  Julia  was  giving  utterance  to 
these  sentiments,  her  lovely   face    was   lighted 


^THEORIES.  2? 

Up  with  a  glow  of  enthusiasm,  her  cheeks  were 
the  color  of  the  wild'  roses  that  perfumed  the 
valley,  and  her  eyes  shone  with  intense  luster. 

After  a  little  rustle  of  sympathy  and  satisfac- 
tion among  the  company,  a  slight  pause  ensued 
and  all  eyes  were  turned  to  Judge  Drave. 

With  a  dignified  smile  he  turned  to  Miss 
Julia  and  said,  ''My  dear  Miss  Burlingame, 
your  sentiments  reflect  great  -credic  upon  both 
head  and  heart;  but  allow  one  who  has  seen 
nearly  three  score  and  ten  years,  to  express  an 
opinion  somewhat  different  from  your,  own." 
She  bowed  her  head  with  reverence  and  the 
Judge  continued,  "When  the  Great  Creator 
called  into  existence  the  worlds  and  systems  of 
worlds  which  constitute  the  Universe,  He  did  it 
not  for  the  happiness  or  comfort  ot  so  insignifi- 
cant a  factor  as  man,  but  for  his  own  glory  and 
aggrandizement.  Should  man,  as  a  part  'of  this 
Universe,  refuse  to  place  himself  in  harmony 
with  the  Divine  will,  his  place  will  be  filled  by 
other  and  nobler  beings,  and  he  destroyed 
forever." 

As  no  one  ventured  to  express  an  opinion  con- 
trary to  this,  the  subject  turned  to  lighter  themes 
and  after  a  delightful  evening,  the  company  re- 
tired to  rest,  beneath  the  spreading  branches  of 
the  forest. 


28    ^        ADVENTURES  iN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

For  several  days,  our  travelers  have  journey- 
ed on,  meeting  "with  no  serious  trouble  and  hav- 
ing the  usual  incidents  of  camp  life.  They  have 
been  traversing  "The  Divide,"  as  it  is  called,  be- 
tween the  Little  Blue  and  the  Platte. 

On  the  1st  of  J  une,  they  reached  Fort  Kear- 
ney, and  were  hospitably  received  and  entertain- 
ed by  Captain  Thompson  and  his  estimable  lady. 
To  those  who  have  all  their  lives  been  accustomed 
to  the  comforts  and  refinements  of  life,  there  is 
no  sight  more  pleasing,  after  having  been  denied 
them,  than  a  clean,  well  kept  house  and  a  boun- 
teous and  well  spread  table.  Our  travelers  en- 
joyed the  generous  hospitality  of  the  Fort,  and 
continued  their  journey  with  hearts  filled  with 
gratitude  to  their  kind  friends. 

On  the  Tth  day  of  June,  the  party  reached  the 
Platte  River.  They  found  it  swollen  from  the 
June  freshets  and  rising  rapidly.  A  consultation 
was  held  as  to  whether  they  should  make  a  ford, 
and  cross  at  this  point,  or  go  on  to  Julesburg, 
the  regular  ford. 

As  the  river  was  rising  at  the  rate  of  six  in- 
ches in  twenty-four  hours,  they  considered  it 
dangerous  to  delay  and  they  proceeded  to  dig 
away  the  bank  to  make  a  road.  Mr.  Brink  had 
a  pair  of  large  mules  and  he  was  to  lead  ofi",  and 
Mr.  Burlingame's  four  horse  team  was  to  follow. 


IN  THE  RIVEB.  29 

All  being  ready,  the  ladies  sitting  upon  the 
boxes  inside  the  wagon,  holding  the  children,  the 
Burlingarne  outfit  plunged  in.  The  front  wheels 
went  down  with  a  crash,  the  water  poured  into 
the  wagon  bed  in  torrents  and  the  horses  were 
almost  submej^ged.  Mr.  Burlingame  was  riding 
one  of  the  horses,  and  as  the  horse  he  was  riding 
fell,  Mr.  B.  jumped  from  his  back  on  to  the  front 
lender,  and  bj  guiding  him  carefully,  manag^.d 
to  start  the  Whole  team.  They  had  proceeded 
only  a  few  rods,  when  the  wagon  was  so  clogged 
by  the  quicksands  which  the  swift  current  carried 
against  the  wheels,  that  the  horses  could  uo  long- 
er move  it. 

Here  was  a  dilemma  indeed,  a  wagon  so  deeply 
imbedded  in  quicksand  that  four  horses  could  not 
move  it,  and  the  sand  rapidly  accumulating. 
The  party  on  shore  were  anxiously  watching  with 
their  glasses  and,  seeing  the  danger,  a  number  of 
the  gentlemen  rode  into  the  river  to  render  assis- 
tance. They  jumped  from  their  horses  in  the 
midst  of  the  roaring  current,  put  their  shoulders 
to  the  wheels  of  the  wagon  and,  raising  them 
out  of  the  sand,  enabled  the  horses  to  move  on. 

In  this  way  they  worked,  until  a  new  difficul- 
ty presented  itself.  They  were  losing  the  ford. 
The  horses  were  beginning  to  swim.  As  this 
course  Fas  certa,in  de6tru(^tion,  Mr.   Burlingame 


30     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

jumped  from  the  horse  into  the  water,  to  hnnt 
for  the  ford.  He  would  swim  tirst  in  one  direc- 
tion, then  in  another,  till  he  could  find  bottom, 
and  would  then  order  an  advance.  The  good 
friends  would  raise  the  wheels  out  of  the  quick- 
sands, the  noble  steeds  give  a  spring  and  on  thej 
would  go  for  a  few  rods,  until  out  of  breath. 
The  party  on  shore  watched  every  movement 
with  breathless  anxiety,  and  expected  every  mo- 
ment to  see  wagon,  horses  and  men  carried  a- 
way  by  the  almost  resistless  current. 

Mrs.  B.,  Miss  Julia  and  the  children  remain- 
ed inside,  in  silent  terror.  Mrs.  B.  gave  one 
scream  when  her  husband  jumped  into  the  river. 
Miss  Julia  displayed  great  presence  of  mind  and 
kept  the  children  quiet  by  a  resort,  first  to  pun- 
ishment and  then  to  the  sugar  bowl.  '  Mrs.  B. 
was  so  wholly  absorbed  b;^  the  terrors  of  the 
situation,  that,  as  Miss  Julia  afterward  said,  "she 
did  not  notice  me  when  I  chastised  the  baby, 
Lucie,  though  I  sat  by  her  side."  "By  the  aid 
of  our  heroic  and  daring  friends,  and  our  good, 
stout  steeds,"  Mrs.  B.  wrote  to  a  friend,  "we 
were  at  length  rescued  from  a  watery  grave,  and 
after  being  in  the  river  an  hour  arid  a  half,  we 
landed  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  tre^cheroua 
Platte," 


CHAPTEE  V. 


AN  INDIAN  MASSACRE. 

The  sun  rose  on  the  morning  of  June  8th,  on 
our  travelers  in  camp  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Platte.  The  day  was  bright  and  beautiful  and, 
as  it  was  the  Sabbath,  it  was  spent  in  resting 
from  the  fatigues  of  the  day  before.  A  mem- 
l>er  of  the  company  decided  to  return  to  Chicago, 
and  many  letters  were  entrusted  to  his  care.  The 
Post-Offices  in  this  region  are  few  and  far 
between. 

As  the  train  was  moving  along,  next  day,  June 
9th,  everything  working  well  and  everybody  in 
good  spirits^  the  sky  was  suddenly  overcast. 
The  violet  clouds  portended  a  storm  of  hail  and 
wind. 

Nothing  is  more  dreaded  on  these  plains  than 
these  wind  nnd  hail  ptorms.  The  train  halted 
and  commenced  preparing  for  tlie  storm.     The 


82  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

corners  of  the  wagons  were  put  towards  the  wind, 
the  tents  pitched  and  guyed  down,  the  guy  ropes 
fastened  to  the  wagons  and  ditches  dug  around 
the  tents.  With  eager  eyes  the  travelers  watched 
the  advancing  cloud;  but  suddenly  the  wind 
changed,  the  cloud  sailed  away,  and  instead  of  the 
dreaded  storm,  a  most  beautiful  rainbow  spanned 
the  entire  heavens  from  N.  E.  to  S.  E.,  extend- 
ing upwards,  at  least  half  way  to  the  zenith. 
The  colors  were  most  brilliant  and  the  whole 
background  of  a  settled  darkness,  setting  off  the 
rainbow  to  the  best  advantage.  Add  to  this  a 
shadow  or  second  rainbow,  near  the  first,  outside 
of  the  ring,  and  not  quite  so  brilliant,  and  the 
whole  was  a  picture  never  to  be  forgotten,  and 
worth  going  many  miles  to  see. 

For  several  days  the  road  lay  among  sand  hills, 
no  house,  no  signs  of  life;  nothing  but  the  hot 
sun  looking  down,  and  scorching  every  thing  he 
touched.  They  had  traveled  thus  through  sand, 
sand,  sand,  for  many  weary  miles,  witii  the  mud- 
dy Platte  a  little  to  the  right,  when  suddenly 
they  came  upon  some  beautiful  springs,  opening 
from  the  side  of  tne  sand  hills.  The  horses  and 
mules,  equally  with  the  travelers,  enjoyed  the 
cooling  draughts.  In  these  days  of  lailroads,  the 
traveler  can  form  no  just  estimate  of  the  hard- 
ships and  privations  endured  hj  those  who  made 


INDIAN  MASSACRE.  83 

the  jonrney  overland  twenty  years  ago. 

While  the  general  outline  of  this  country  is 
a  sandy,  desolate  plain,  occasionally  there  is  a  bit 
of  scenery  that  rivals,  in  beauty,  any  thing  found 
in  the  world.  Ash  Hollow  is  such  a  sweet  little 
spot.  A  clear  and  purling  stream  flows  gently 
along  at  the  foot  of  the  hills,  the  sides  of  which 
are  covered  with  the  most  lovely  wild  roses.  The 
butterflies  flit  from  flower  to  flower,  unconscious 
of  the  presence  of  human  beings.  Little  springs 
gush  out  along  the  hill  sides,  leaving  in  their 
track  most  delicate  green  tapestry.  A  sense  of 
coolness  and  freshness  overcomes  all  sense  of 
fatigue  and  heat,  and  the  traveler  feels  that  he 
could  remain  here  always  and  be  happy. 

It  was  here  that  the  rude  children  of  nature 
had  pitched  their  tents  and  were  resting  after  a 
long  hunting  excursion,  when  they  were  overta- 
ken and  surprised  by  General  Harney  and  his 
men,  and  an  indiscriminate  slaughter  ensued. 
Men,  women  and  children  were  slain,  with  scarce- 
ly enough  left  to  carry  the  news  to  the  next 
tribe.  Such  treatment  as  this  has  made  for  the 
people  and  government  a  great  deal  of  trouble, 
for  the  Indians  class  all  whites  together  and  take 
revenge  upon  any  white  person  they  may  meet. 
In  the  great  majority  of  instances,  the  difficulties 
with  the  Indians  have  been  traced  to  some  overt 


34  ADVLNTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

act  an  the  part  of  tho  whites. 

Our  travelers  had  now  passed  nearly  a  week 
in  traveling  these  arid  and  sandy  plains.  They 
had  carried  water  and  food,  and  would  have  snf- 
fered  much  from  thirst,  but  for  the  springs  that 
occasionally  were  found  flowing  from  the  sand 
hills.  They  came  again  into  the  Stage  Road, 
which  they  had  left  when  they  crossed  the  Platte, 
a  little  east  of  Court  House  Rock  Station,  and 
about  75  miles  north-west  of  Julesburg,  For 
one  week,  they  had  seen  no  house,  or  other  sign 
of  civilization,  except  a  few  emigrants,  who,  like 
themselves,  were  taking  the  cut-off. 

From  Mr.  Burlingame's  Journal. 
Saturday  June  14. 

"We  made  camp  to-night  near  Scott's  Bluffs. 
These  Bluffs  are  50  miles  southeast  of  Ft.  Lara- 
mie, and  are  the  first  indications  of  the  rugged 
and  mountainous  country  into  which  we  are  a- 
bout  to  enter.  They  are  about  500  feet  high, 
very  broken  and  picturesque  in  appearance,  and 
present  to  the  traveler  a  great  variety  of  wild 
and  beautiful  scenery. 

Sunday  June  15. 

This  afternoon  I  started  from  camp  to  make 
the  ascent  of  the  bluffs.  After  an  hour's  walk 
I  arrived  at  their  feet,  but  the  problem  confron- 
ted me  of  how  to  reach  the  top.     In  front  of  me 


CLIMBING.  35 

and  for  some  distance  on  either  side  arose  per- 
pendicular  walls  of  rock,  entirely   inaccessible. 

However,  by  examining  a  little  m^.j-e  closely, 
I  found  that  a  few  straggling  cedars  ran  up  the 
mountain  in  two  or  three  places,  and  I  resolved 
to  attempt  the  ascent  in  one  of  these.  On  ap- 
proaching, I  found  to  my  satisfaction,  a  ravine, 
deeply  washed  at  times  by  mountain  torrents, 
though  now  dry,  which  extended  far  into  the 
mountain  and  continually  upward.  I  followed 
it  a  long  way,  not  doubting  that  it  would  lead 
me  to  the  summit;  but  when  about  half  way  up 
the  bluffs,  this  ravine  ended  in  a  cave  or  grot  in 
the  side  of  the  mountain  very  symmetrical  and 
beautiful  in  its  structure,  and  the  walls  of  which 
were  some  twenty  to  thirty  feet  in  perpendicu- 
lar height. 

Here  I  found  that  travelers  had  cut  their 
names  in  the  soft  sandy  rock,  which  formed  the 
sides  of  the  cave,  and  leaving  mine  engraved  on 
the  wall,  I  retraced  my  steps  in  search  of  some 
other  mode  of  ascent.  Before  descending  far,  I 
found  one  side  of  the  bank  not  quite  so  steep, 
and  a  possibility  indicated  of  climbing  the  moun- 
tain. At  one  place  there  were  two  or  three 
shelves  or  projections,  looking  something  like 
natural  steps.  I  reached  one  of  them  and  could 
have  attained  the  second,  but  saw  that  the  ^- 


36  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

cent  from  there  was  difficult  if  riot  impossible. 

By  winding  around  the  hill  side,  I  arrived  at 
the  top  of  another  ravine,  which  led  me  by 
dangerous  and  difficult  paths  up  and  up  the 
mountain,  and  after  a  long  walk  and  much  exer- 
tion, at  length  reached  the  summit. 

The  scene  that  greeted  my  astonished  vision 
defies  description.  Mighty,  ragged, rocky  crests, 
silent  sentinels,  kept  watch  and  ward  over  the 
vast  solitude. 

The  melting  snows  of  countless  winters  had 
seamed  and  scarred  their  sides,  as  the  sun's  heat 
let  loose  their  thundering  torrents  down  their 
steep  decline. 

Years  may  come  and  go,  many  things  be  re- 
membered and  forgotten  but  the  grandeur,  sub- 
limity and  wild  beauty  of  the  scene  from  that 
mountain  peak  shall  never  be  forgotten. 

To  the  north  and  east  lay  the  Platte  valley; 
to  the  southeast,  bluffs  on  bluffs  arose  forming  a 
sort  of  amphitheater  of  mountains  with  a  court 
or  circular  plain  in  the  center.  To  the  north- 
west, Laramie  Peak  rose  high  above  the  distant 
plains  below,  distinctly  visible,  though  about  100 
miles  away.  While  wrapt  in  wondering  admir- 
ation, I  cast  my-  eyes  to  the  soiitheast  and  saw 
that  a  storm  was  gathering  below  the  mountain. 
Peals  ot  thunder  shot  upwards  through  the  clear 


A  STOEM  IN  OAMP.  37 

air  and   cclioed  and  reverberated  througli  the 
mouulu.iis. 

Vivid  lightning  shot  through  the  dense,  dark 
cloud  and  broke  the  storm-cloud,  over  the  devot- 
ed plain   below. 

The  rain  poTired  in  torrents  and  as  the  sun 
shone  down  upon  the  scene  with  keen  intent  he 
painted  the  storm  cloud,  with  a  lovely  rainbow. 

Above  the  clouds,  shut  off  from  the  world  bo- 
low  by  a  dense  black  wall,  my  sensations  were 
novel  in  the  extreme.  The  scene  there  beheld 
was  one  seldom  vouchsafed  to  mortals. 

On  returning  to  camp  1  found  that  they   had 
witnessed  one  of  those  terrific  storms  well   re 
menibered  by  all  who  have  ever  made  the  jour- 
ney overland. 

The  camp  was  thoroughly  drenched  and  sur- 
prised to  hear  that  I  had  been  high  above  the 
storm  and  untouched  by  it. 

On  the  17th  of  June  we  reached  Ft.  Laramie 
and  were  courteously  and  hospitably  entertained 
by  Gen.  Craig,  who  is  stationed  here  to  protect 
the  stage  company  and  emigrants.  "We  traveled 
several  days  with  nothing  worthy  of  note  befal- 
ling us,  and  again  struck  the  Platte  on  the  2l8t 
inst.  near  the  mouth  of  Deer  Creek. 

Sunday  in  camp  has  many  novel  features. 
Some  are  washing,  some  cooking,  some  cleaning 


S8  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

wagons  and  repairing  damages,  and  in  general 
getting  themselves  and  their  belongings  in  con- 
dition for  the  coming  week  ot  travel. 

In  the  evening  after  all  things  were  ready  for 
the  start,  we  gathered  around  the  blazing  camp 
fire  for  a  little  recreation. 

Thongh  the  days  are  hot,  the  evenings  are  cool 
and  a  fire  is  almost  always  a  cheerful  and  wel- 
come sight.  -  Miss  Julia  gave  us  some  line  mnsic 
and  then  wo  all  joined  in  singing  some  of  the 
good  old  hymns  which  are  dear  to  every  heart. 

The  evening  was  passing  in  a  calm,  pleasant 
manner,  when  a  noise  of  hoofs  was  heard,  and  as 
we  were  in  the  Indian  territory  every  ear  was 
strained  to  listen. 

Presently  a  lone  horseman  appeared  in  sight 
and  was  soon    ascertained  to  be  a  white  man. 

He  had  traveled  from  California  alone,  having 
encamped  but  three  nights  with  emigrants  in  the 
whole  trip. 

He  was  a  good  specimen  of  the  genus  homo, 
species  Americanus,  lively,  good  natured  and  in- 
telligent, and  fearing  nothing  that  walks.  We 
made  him  at  home,  prepared  a  warm  meal  for 
him,  after  which  he  sank  into  a  quiet  sentimen- 
tal mood,  and  as  he  watched  Miss  Julia  passing  to 
and  fro,  tears  trickled  down  his  bronzed  but  hand- 
some cheeks,  which  he  hastily  brushed  aside. 


OUE  GUEST.  89 

It  was  evident  that  lie  was  a  man  with  a  heart 
history,  and  by  a  little  persuasion  from  Miss  Ju- 
lia, he  was  induced  to  tell  his  story. 
TnB  Tbavelks's  Story. 

There  were,  sitting  around  a  cheerful  fire  one  evening, 
quite  a  large  party  of  ladies  and  gentlemen,  when  Misa 
Harley  proposed  that  they  get  up  an  excursion  to  the  Yo- 
semite  Valley.  The  lady  had  been  in  California  but  a  few 
mouths,  and  was  very  enthusiastic  in  her  praises  of  the 
country,  the  climate  and  the  scenery.  We  entered  into  the 
project  with  alacrity  and  arranged  to  leave  San  Francisco, 
at  an  early  day.  In  pursuance  of  this  agreement,  a  party 
of  six  ladies  and  six  gentlemen  left  the  City,  for  the  Yosem- 
ite  on  the  morning  of  Oct.  10th  1855. 

All  were  in  high  spirits  and  enjoyed  the  ride  immensely. 
Miss  Harley  was  the  life  of  the  party.  Young,  beautiful, 
highly  cultured  and  exceedingly  gifted  in  conversation,  she 
threw  the  light  of  her  genius  on  all  surrounding  objectH 
and  kept  her  companions  constantly  in  fairy  land. 

When  we  arrived  at  the  falls  of  the  Yosemitc,  her  delight 
knew  no  bounds.  She  seemed  like  one  entranced,  and 
bounded  from  peak  to  peak  with  the  agility  of  a  young  ga- 
zello.  I  cautioned  her  often,  and  said  to  her  "My  dear  girl, 
you  must  not  venture  so  far,  you  will  lose  your  balance  and 
fall.  You  must  not  risk  your  life,  for  yeu  are  more  than 
life  to  mo."  She  turned  her  glorious  eyes  upon  mo,  and 
with  a  smile,  said,  "Fear  not  for  me,  dear  friend,  the  God 
in  whom  I  trust,  will  preserve  me." 


40  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAK  WEST. 

We  visited  the  "Big  Trees,"  "The  Bridal  Veil,"  and  ma- 
ny other  places  of  interest,  and  were  about  making  arrange- 
ments to  return,  when  Miss  Harley  expressed  a  wish  to  vis- 
it some  caves  which  had  lately  been  discovered  in  the  moun- 
tain side.     Her  will  was  law  with  us  all,  and  so  we  went. 

Bold  and  frowning  cliffs  rose  high  above  us,  but  climb  we 
must  and  climb  we  did,  until  we  reached  the  caves.  We  en- 
tered one  of  them  and  found  a  beautiful  stream  running 
through  it  in  which  fish  abounded.  Bats  and  owls  flitted  to 
and  fro,  and  in  peering  around  we  discovered  signs  of  hu- 
man beings.  Consternation  seized  the  whole  party.  All 
hastily  fled.  On  reaching  a  safe  place,  we  discovered  that 
Miss  Harley  was  not  with  us.  We  returned  with  all  haste, 
but  alas!  too  late.  She  had  been  captured  by  the  Indians!! 
When  this  dreadful  fact  became  apparent,  my  heart  stood 
still  and  my  tongue  was  paralized.  I  stood  as  one  dumb 
with  terror.  What  should  be  done!  What  could  be  done  I 
We  resolved  to  rescue  her.  Placing  the  other  ladies  in  as 
safe  a  place  as  possible,  the  men  of  the  party  hastened  in 
pursuit  of  the  savages.  Through  ravines  and  caves,  we 
sought  her,  through  rivers  we  waded,  up  mountain  crags 
we  climbed,  now  finding  the  trail  of  the  Indians  and  now  los- 
ing it.  The  party  at  length,  became  disheartened  and  want- 
ed to  give  up  the  search.  I  said  "Gentlemen,  you  ought  to 
return  and  protect  the  ladies  under  your  charge,  but  I  will 
never  give  her  up  while  life  shall  last." 

At  this  their  courage  revived  and  they  resolved  to  contin- 
ue the  search  and  rescue,  if  possible,  the  lovely  Elinor  from 
those  rutliless  demons.    We  had  just  emerged  from  a  cavo 


HOPELESS   SOEEOW.  41 

when  looking  up  we  saw  a  sight  which  froze  our  blood  with 
terror.  The  lovely  girl  was  on  a  high  projecting  cliff  sep- 
arated from  us  by  a  wide  chasm.  She  stood  in  the  midst  of 
her  savage  captors  with  upturned  eyes  and  hair  streaming 
in  the  wind.  She  implored  them  to  spare  her,  but  with  fiend- 
ish yells  they  were  preparing  to  torture  her.  She  cast  one 
glance  of  recognition  at  us,  uttered  a  piercing  cry  and  threw 
herself  from  the  cliffs.  Utterly  powerless  to  save  her,  1  saw 
her  dashed  to  pieces  on  those  cruel  rocks. 

I  would  have  thrown  myself  over  the  precipice  and  died 
with  her  had  not  my  friends  withheld  me.  From  that  mo- 
ment 1  died  to  all  that  men  call  happiness." 

When  the  traveler  ended,  there  was  not  a  dry 
eye  in  the  company,  and  for  some  moments  there 
was  a  profound  silence.  Kespect  and  sympathy 
for  this  afflicted  man  filled  every  breast.  A 
mournful  smile  stole  over  his  features,  when  at 
length  Miss  Julia  ventured  some  words  of  con- 
solation. He  shook  his  head,  "No  dear  lady,  my 
heart  lies  buried  with  her  in  that  deep,  dark 
canon.  I  wander  aimlessly  above  her,  until  it 
shall  please  the  Good  Father  to  call  me  hence 
where  I  hope  to  be  united  to  her  never  to  part." 


CHAPTER VL 


INCIDENTS  OF  TRAVEL. 

Monday,  June  16. 

We  encamped  to  night  near  Cold  Springs 
twenty  seven  miles  from  Scott's  Bluffs.  This 
place  has  more  advantages  for  settlement  than 
any  we  have  passed  since  Marysville,  Kansas. 

Here  at  least  four  prominent  points  attract  at- 
tention: first,  a  splendid  spring  of  water,  one 
of  the  best,  purest  and  most  abundant  I  ever  saw; 
second,  a  tolerably  good  soil:  third,  the  Platte 
River  rushing  along  with  ita  inexhaustible  sup- 
ply of  water  and  its  undeveloped  capabilities  as 
a  carrying  stream:  fourth,  here,  for  the  first  time 
for  hundreds  of  miles,  are  found  trees  sufficient 
in  size  and  number  to  be  dignified  by  the  name 
of  timber.  Here  it  seems  a  man  might  find  a 
home  and  the  means  of  living  and  here  the  Great 
American  Desert  may  be  said  to  end. 


rr.  LAHAMIB.  43 

Tuesday,  June  17. 

Arrived  at  Fort  Laramie,  and  were  very  court- 
eously and  generously  treated  by  Gen.  Craig, 
Commandant.  Both  at  Ft.  Kearney  and  here 
we  were  surprised  to  find  no  Fort  properly  speak- 
ing, and  only  a  collection  of  Officers'  buildings, 
Sutler's  Store,  Post  Office  and  soldiers'  tents. 
Wednesday,  June  18. 

Drove  to  day  thirty  miles  over  roads  hilly, 
muddy  and  sandy  by  turns  and  encamped  near 
Horse  Shoe  Station. 

The  Ranch  here  is  situated  upon  a  swiftly  flow- 
ing stream  surrounded  by  hills  looming  up  on 
all  sides,  and  everything  indicates  more  enter- 
prise than  is  common  in  this  wild  country. 
Saturday,  June  27. 

To  day  we  have  again  struck  the  Platte  River 
after  having  travelled  100  miles  since  leaving 
Ft.  Laramie.  This  evening  while  "standing 
guard,"  I  heard  a  rumbling  noise  which  proved 
to  be  the  banks  of  the  Platte  caving  in  from  the 
action  of  the  River  which  has  a  rapid  current 
and  here  makes  a  short  bend.  The  Peninsula 
about  thirty  rods  across  will  soon  be  worn  away 
and  our  present  camping  ground  will  be  one  of 
those  picturesque  little  islands  which  abound  in 
the  River  and  which  greatlj  relieve  the  monot- 
ony of  that  long  stretch  of  country  through  which 


44  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

the  traveler  must  pass  and  which  is  technically 
called  "The  Plains." 

While  passing  along  the  level  banks  of  the 
Platte  we  are  constantly  reminded  of  the  fact 
that  this  is  one  of  nature's  own  road  beds  and 
must  some  day  have  a  Rail-Koad  which  will  take 
passengers  over  this  valley  with  lightning  speed 
and  link  the  East  and  West  together  with  bands 
of  steel. 

For  several  days  we  traveled  along  with  only 
the  usual  incidents,  crossed  the  IsTorth  Platte, 
paid  $5  a  team  for  ferriage  and  $5  per  bu.  for 
grain  for  our  horses  and  making  an  average  of 
25  miles  a  day.  At  Sweet  Water  bridge  we 
found  Major  Farrell  with  a  company  of  troops 
and  received  supplies  which  were  very  timely 
and  acceptable.  As  we  make  a  turn  in  the  road 
Independence  Eock  appears  to  our  astonished 
eyes.  It  is  a  bold  and  picturesque  granite  rock 
rising  high  above  the  surrounding  bluffs  and 
seems  to  stand,  like  a  sentinel  of  liberty,  guard- 
ing the  surrounding  plains.  We  encamped  for 
dinner  near  its  base  and  some  of  the  party  at- 
tempted an  ascent  which  however  they  found  a 
difficult  undertaking. 

Devil's  Gate  was  the  next  sensation.  We  had 
heard  many  wild  stories  about  this  place  and 
Miss  Julia  had  set  her  heart  on  making  a  pil- 


devil's  gate.  45 

grimage  to  the  very  spot.  Accordingly  we  en- 
camped early  in  the  afternoon  and  after  a  hearty 
meal,  prepared  to  make  the  exploration.  As 
we  drew  near  the  awful  chasm  through  which 
the  Sweet  Water  pours  its  waters,  foaming  and 
dashing  as  if  lashed  into  fury  by  some  unseen 
power,  a  sort  of  wierd  and  solemn  awe  crept  over 
us,  chilling  us  to  the  marrow. 

The  Professor  said  that  "this  was  an  evidence 
of  one  of  the  greatest  convulsions  of  nature  and 
must  have  shaken  old  Mother  Earth  to  her  very 
center."  The  rocks  here  seem  to  be  split  into 
two  separate  ledges  as  if  by  a  wedge,  smooth 
and  perpendicular  for  hundreds  of  feet.  Miss 
Julia  said  afterward  that  ^4f  this  was  the  entrance 
to  the  dominions  of  his  Satanic  Majesty,  she 
would  prefer  to  go  no  further  than  the  gate." 

As  we  were  descending  into  the  valle}',  we 
saw  a  littla  wreath  of  smoke  slowly  curling  up 
through  the  cool  air  and  as  this  is  always  a  sign 
of  a  human  habitation  in  these  wild  regions,  we 
came  upon  a  hunter's  cave,  in  the  side  of  the 
rocks.  He  was  preparing  his  evening  meal  and 
was  a  fine  looking  half-blood. 

The  gentleman  of  the  party  soon  engaged  him 
in  conversation  and  lound  him  very  intelligent. 

Jean  Le  Beau,  for  that  was  the  hunter's  name, 
had  been  in  these  regions  since  boy-hood  going 


46    ADVBNTUEES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

only  occasionally  among  civilized  men.  His  fa- 
ther was  one  of  those  daring  Frenchmen  who 
have  done  so  much  to  extend  the  knowledge  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains.  He  was  a  trapper  and 
hunter  for  many  years  and  was  the  interpreter 
for  the  Indians  with  the  Government.  He  mar- 
ried a  chief's  daughter  and  this  eon  was  at  home 
among  his  mother's  people. 

We  lingered  around  the  mouth  of  his  cave 
and  listened  to  many  exciting  stories  of  advent- 
ures and  dangers  and  many  legends  of  surpass- 
ing interest. 

It  was  growing  late.  The  shadows  were 
lengthening  and  a  mist  was  rising  over  the  boil- 
ing angry  waters  as  we  watched  them  emerge 
from  the  narrow  gorge.  A  nervous  shudder  seiz- 
ed us  as  we  thought  we  heard  the  sound  of  foot- 
steps near.  It  was  the  hunter's  wife  returning 
with  her.  baby  strapped  upon  her  back.  She 
was  more  frightened  than  we,  until  reassured  by 
a  few  words  in  Indian,  from  her  husband. 
The  Legend  of  Devil's  Gate. 

''Many  hundreds  of  years  ago  there  dwelt  in  a  lovely  val- 
ley beyond  ths  pass  a  powerful  nation  of  Indian  variiors. 

They  were  brave  in  battle  and  knew  not  fear.  Fish  and 
game  were  plenty  and  they  knew  neither  cold  nor  hunger. 

They  grew  rich  and  powerlul  and  forgot  to  worship  the 
"Great  Spirit"  or  to  offer  up  sacrifices  as  they  were  wont  to 
do.    The  "Great  Spirit"  was  angry^  the  earth  shook,  and  the 


EOOKY    MOUNTAINS.  47 

mountains  were  rent  in  twain.  Many  of  these  people  were 
swallowed  up  and  the  mighty  river  which  had  made  theii 
country  a  paradise  disappeared  from  their  valley  forever." 

The  mocin  was  rising  and  threw  a  pale  and 
ghostly  light  on  all  the  surroundings.  We  re- 
turned to  camp  feeling  that  every  shrub  was  an 
Indian  warrior  in  disguise  and  found  that  there 
was  considerable  concern  among  our  friends  at 
our  lengthened  stay. 

To-day,  Thursday,  June  26,  we  came  in  sight 
of  the  Rocky  Mountains  proper,  looming  up  in 
the  distance,  their  snow-crowned  summits  min- 
gling with  the  clouds.  To  one  who  had  never 
before  beheld  these  frowning  sentinels  looking 
down  from  such  vast  heights  upon  this  lower 
earth  the  sight  is  grand  beyond  description. 
Our  company  were  in  high  spirits  and  we  en- 
joyed greatly  the  changa  from  the  monotony  of 
sand,  sage  brush  and  grease  wood  which  had  been 
our  staple  articles  of  scenery  much  of  the  way. 
We  encamped  at  *'Three  Crossings"  near  a  Mor- 
mon train  of  ninety  five  wagons  on  the  way  to 
Omaha  to  bring  in  emigrants  to  Salt  Lake. 

The  train  is  sent  out  by  "the  Church"  and  the 
"brethren"  are  allowed  $60  for  the  use  of  a  yoke 
of  oxen  for  the  trip,  which  is  credited  on  tithing. 
"The  Church"  charges  each  emigrant  $40  pas- 
sage money,  which  is  tu  be  paid  out  of  his  earn- 
ings when  arriving  in  the  "promised  land." 


48    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

Three  hundred  wagons  are  sent  to  'iDring  in" 
five  thousand  saints.  This  is  the  first  glimpse 
we  have  had  of  the  way  "brotherBrigham"  fin- 
anciers. 

We  are  now  in  the  heart  of  the  Indian  coun- 
try and  what  is  strange  but  well  understood  in 
these  regions  is  that  we  see  no  Indians.  Miss 
Julia  thought  she  saw  one  to-dav  as  she  was 
walking  a  little  ahead  of  the  train.  When  we 
were  among  the  Pottawatomies,  we  were  a 
good  deal  annoyed  by  the  Indians  wanting  to 
"swop"  with  us.  Miss  Julia  had  a  very  bi  ight 
scarlet  scarf  which  greatly  inflamed  the  cupidity 
of  the  young  "bucks."  One  of  these  young 
"swells"  had  a  handsome  pony  which  he  offered 
to  give  for  Miss  Julia's  scarf.  She  told  him  she 
would  "swop"  and  if  he  would  dismount  and  de- 
liver the  pony  she  would  let  him  have  the  scarf, 
but  just  at  the  critical  moment  he  would  back 
out  and  mounting  his  pony  ride  away  like  the 
wind.  In  a  short  time  he  would  be  back  riding 
alongside  the  wagon  and  saying  "swop,"  "swop," 
but  evidently  it  was  his  intention  to  get  hold  of 
the  scarf  without  giving  the  pony.  He  follow- 
ed us  a  whole  day  in  this  way,  but  when  he  be- 
came satisfied  that  the  "white  squaw"  was  too 
smart  for  him  he  gave  it  up  in  disgust. 

Miss  Julia  thought  that  it  was  this  >6ame  scarf 


AN  INDIAN  PKINCESS.  -49 

which  had  attracted  the  attention  of  the  Indians 
today.  We  visited  an  Indian  wigwam  one  day 
and  were  introduced  to  the  Princess  of  the  tribe. 
She  was  decked  out  in  style.  A  wliole  sheet  of 
tin  must  have  been  used  up  in  furnishing  her 
bracelets  and  other  adornments.  She  had  a  robe 
of  deer-shin  elaborately  embroidered  with  beads. 
Fringe  of  the  same  material  depended  gracefully 
from  the  lower  parts  of  the  garment.  Her  face 
was  handsomely  decorated  with  variously  colored 
paints.  From  her  hair  hung  mafty  species  of 
feathers  and  bright  strips  of  tin  mingled  with 
beads  and  shells.  The  ribbons  of  our  ladies  fas- 
cinated her  and  she  more  than  hinted  tliat  she 
wanted  us  to  give  them  to  her.  In  fact  she  be- 
came so  urgent  upon  the  subject  that  we  found 
it  to  our  advantage  to  take  a  rather  unceremoni- 
ous leave  of  "Her  Highness." 

Saturday,  June  28. 
We  made  camp  this  afternoon  rather  early, 
on  the  mountain  side  near  a  snow  bank.  We 
are  now  rising  rapidly  into  a  higher  region  and 
the  atmosphere  is  truly  delightful.  Tlie  sun  is 
very  hot  in  the  middle  of  the  day  but  the  air  is 
cool,  coming  from  the  snowy  peaks  of  tho  Kooky 
Mountains.  This  spot  is  one  of  nature's  loveli- 
est  productions.  A  cool  and  sparkling  spring 
gushes  from  the  mountain  a  little  above,  and 


50  ADVBNTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

spreads  out  over  the  lower  levels,  carpeting  them 
with  beautiful  green  shades  ever  vf-rying  as  a 
cloud  flits  before  the  sun,  changing  the  shades 
as  the  chameleon  ever  changes.  Below  is  a  lev- 
el plateau  rocky  and  barren  save  a  few  straggling 
evergreens  of  stunted  growth.  In  this  lovely 
Bpot  we  were  resting  and  preparing  the  evening 
meal.  The  biscuits  were  baking  in  the  tin  oven 
and  the  antelope  aud  bacon  frying  on  the  stove, 
and  sending  up  an  aroma  delicious  to  inhale. 
Some  one  looking  down  the  valley  spied  a  horse- 
man coming  towards  our  camp  in  hot  haste. 
"The  Indians,  the  Indians,"  he  cried  "are  upon 
ns.  We  want  twenty  of  your  men  to  come  and 
help  us."  Imagine  the  consternation  and  con- 
fusion. A  hasty  consultation  was  had  and  we 
decided  that  it  would  not  do  for  the  men  to  leave 
our  camp  to  assist  the  other,  but  that  we  must 
look  to  our  own  safety.  The  courier  reported 
that  his  camp  about  one  mile  east  had  been  at- 
tacked and  that  two  men  were  killed,  that  the 
Indians  had  gone  away  but  were  momentarily 
expected  back  and  that  we  must  prepare  for  an 
attack  at  any  moment. 

We  hastily  prepared  to  join  with  other  emi- 
grants at  a  sort  of  natural  fort  which  we  found 
about  one  mile  distant.  We  collected  about  sev- 
enty wagons  and  forming  a  "corral,"  with  our 


MURDEEOUS  INDIANS.  61 

animals  inside,  threw  up  earth  works  and  station- 
ed picket  guards  about  our  camp.  The  men 
held  a  meeting,  elected  ofiBcers  and  made  arrange- 
ments for  an  attack.  The  camp  one  mile  east 
of  us  had  been  attacked  and  two  men  killed. 

Some  valuable  stock  had  also  been  shot.  One 
noble  steed  was  pierced  with  many  poisoned  ar- 
rows. We  sent  a  small  party  to  assist  in  bury- 
ing the  dead.  All  was  now  on  military  footing. 
The  cajnp  was  under  martial  law.  No  one  was 
allowed  to  depart  or  enter  without  giving  the 
countersign.  Sentinels  walked  upon  their  beats 
and  were  relieved  at  stated  intervals  by  others. 
Every  ear  was  strained  to  hear  the  war-whoop- 
No  one  thought  of  sleep. 

About  midnight  the  camp  was  startled  by  the 
firing  of  two  gun  shots  not  far  distant.  This 
was  the  signal  agreed  upon  with  the  camp  east 
of  us  in  case  they  were  attacked.  For  a  mo- 
ment we  wore  sure  we  heard  the  wild  war-whoop 
of  the  savages  as  they  pounced  upon  their  vic- 
tims. The  ladies  pale  with  terrror  walked  up 
and  down  the  camp  trying  to  be  calm.  Miss 
Julia  and  Mrs.  Burlingame  were  watching  over 
the  children  and  expecting  soon  to  see  the  tom- 
ahawks of  the  Indians  raised  over  their  heads. 
"This  was  a  moment  ol  supreme  agony"  writes 
Mrs.  B.  to  a  friend  "as  we  were  certain  that  it 


52  ADVENTURES    IN   THE  FAE  WEST, 

'was  to  be  but  a  few  moments  of  terrible  sus- 
pense before  the  dread  reality  would  be  upon  us." 

It  was  ascertained  after  a  little  that  the  shots 
were  fired  by  our  own  men,  who  were  returning 
from  burying  their  dead  friends,  and  having 
lost  their  way  fired  the  usual  signal  shots  in  or- 
der to  have  our  boys  in  camp  know  where  they 
were  and  answering,  enable  them  to  find  the 
camp.  With  a  feeling  of  infinite  relief  and  de- 
vout thankfulness  for  this  danger  averted,  we 
laid  down  to  snatch  a  little  rest,  not  knowing 
what  might  yet  befall  us. 

The  next  day  being  Sunday,  we  remained  in 
camp  to  rest  and  prepare  for  future  defense. 

Story  after  story 'came  into  camp  about  In- 
dian attacks  and  outrages  and  by  night  we  were 
in  a  state  ])ordering  on  distraction.  The  guard 
was  increased,  every  weapon  made  ready,  our 
camp  was  joined  to  another  in  the  same  locality 
and  every  precaution  was  taken  to  avoid  a  sur- 
prise.  All  next  day  we  traveled  in  solid  phal- 
anx with  men  detailed  to  guard  the  advance  of 
the  train.  Our  route  lay  among  mountain  fas- 
nesses  fit  for  the  haunts  of  savages.  Beautiful 
springs  gushed  from  the  mountain  sides  flowing 
down  into  lovely  little  valleys  forming  the  most 
bewitching  landscapes  and  making -the  weary 
and  way-worn  emigrant  wish  to  rest  here  forever. 


OITE  ESCORT.  55 

But  alas,  for  all  things  beautiful!  These  are  the 
very  spots  where  the  savages  aie  most  likely  to 
fall  on  their  victims.  These  are  their  oases  in 
the  desert  wilderness  which  surrounds  them. 
Here  they  repair  afcer  the  fatigues  of  hunting 
and  long  marches  to  rest  and  enjoy  their  booty. 
We  passed  the  Stillwater  and  coming  out  on  to 
an  open  prairie  we  encamped  near  a  beautiful 
spring. 

Tuesday,  July  1. 

This  morning,  Messrs.  Bradish,  Sexton,  Man- 
uel and  myself  rode  over  to  the  camp  of  Col. 
Collins  of  the  6th  Ohio  Cavalry.  We  had  a  beau- 
tiful ride  along  the  Sweetwater,  winding  as  it 
here  does,  in  a  narrow  valley  between  hills  on 
either  side.  Making  a  sudden  turn  we  came  at 
once  upon  the  camp.  I  applied  to  Col.  Col- 
lins for  an  escort,  which  was  readily  granted  and 
thirty  men  detailed  to  go  with  our  train  to  Green 
Kiver.  Thursday,  July   3. 

We  are  now  on  the  banks  of  the  famous  Green 
River,  the  Mississippi  of  this  region.  The  old 
Charon  who  has  presided  over  the  ferry  here  for 
twenty  eight  years  tells  us  that  it  has  never  been 
so  high  before.  The  banks  are  overflowed  and 
the  water  has  backed  up  into  the  ravines  making 
three  rivers  instead  of  one  to  cross.  There  are 
of  course  no  boats  to  ferry  across  these  bayous 


54  ADVENTUEES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

and  we  have  to  improvise  bridges.  This  is  done 
by  cutting  trees  and  throwing  thenn  in  until  a 
tolerably  solid  road-way  or  pontoon  bridge  is 
formed.  The  men  then  pull  the  wagons  over,  as 
horses  would  be  sure  to  break  through.  The 
horses  swim  over  and  are  ready  to  draw  the  wag- 
ons  to  the  next  bridge.  We  had  to  construct 
two  of  these  bridges  before  we  were  near  enough 
to  get  to  the  ferry.  We  are  now  all  safely  over 
the  bayous  and  on  a  beautiful  little  island.  The 
teams  and  men  are  very  much  fatigued  and  we 
have  concluded  to  stay  here  over  the  4th  of  July. 
We  went  into  camp  to-night  amid  the  roar  of 
angry  waters  all  around  us  and  though  exposed 
to  dangers  on  every  side  we  were  thankful  and 
fearless  and  as  I  write  the  camp  is  as  quietly 
sleeping  as  if  in  a  place  of  perfect  security. 

This  wild  life  and  constant  adventure  soon 
takes  away  fear  and  inclines  people  to  be  rather 
reckless.  However  with  our  trusty  Ohio  "boys" 
we  feel  no  fear  of  Indians.  The  danger  is  from 
a  sudden  and  rapid  rise  in  the  river  which  would 
place  us  in  a  very  perilous  position. 
From  Miss  Julia's  Journal. 

Thursday,  July  3.     * 

The  perils  and  hair  breadth  escapes  of  the  past 
week  will  never  be  erased  from  my  memory. 

Ohl  if  we  could  have  foreseen  all  the  trials, 


tJNFORESEEN  PERILS.  65 

difficulties,  and  dangers  of  this  over-land  jour- 
ney we  should  never  have  left  our  comfortable 
homes  for  the  sake  of  adventure.  When  the 
gentlemen  who  rode  over  to  camp  left  us  we  fear- 
ed it  would  be  a  final  leave.  They  were  going 
through  the  worst  Indian  country,  a  region 
strewn  with  the  bones  of  emigrants  who  had  fall- 
en by  the  tomahawks  of  the  savages. 

When,  yesterday,  they  returned  and  with  them 
came  thirty  five  stalwart  Ohio  volunteers,  there 
wap  great  rejoicing  and  three  rousing  cheers  greet- 
ed the  soldiers.  1  must  close  my  journal  to 
prepare  for  to-morrow's  festivities,  as  we  are  go- 
ing to  celebrate  the  4th  of  July  on  the  "Plains." 
Friday,  July  4th. 

As  the  sun  rose  he  was  greeted  by  a  volley  of 
musketry  which  continued  at  intervals  until  the 
camp  was  all  astir.  It  had  been  decided  that 
we  were  to  have  a4tti  of  July  oration,  so  a  speak- 
er's stand  was  erected  under  the  spreading  trees 
of  the  Island  and  the  venerable  orator  of  the  day 
Judge  Drave  took  his  seat  on  the  platform,  the 
band  struck  up  "Hail  Columbia"  and  our  little 
party  soon  assembled  to  listen  to  a  most  excel- 
lent and  patriotic  discourse.  He  alluded  in  most 
feeling  terms  to  the  war  raging  between  the 
North  and  South  and  deprecated  the  shedding  of 
fratricidal   blood.     "But"   said  he,   "the  Union 


56     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

must  and  shall  be  preserved  at  any  and  all  haz- 
ards." "North,  South,  East  and  West,  all  ])arts 
of  our  common  country,  bound  together  by  ties 
of  blood,  language  and  religion,  may  they  ever 
remain  as  now  one  undivided  Republic."  Loud 
applause  greeted  the  speaker  as  he  descended 
from  the  rustic  stage.  The  party  now  divided 
as  seemed  most  congenial.  Some  played  foot- 
ball, others  chess  or  eucher  while  the  younger 
portion  selected  a  beautiful  green  lawn  and  dan- 
ced to  the  merry  music  of  the  band. 

The  ladies  being  greatly  in  the  minority  many 
of  the  gentlemen  selected  partners  from  their 
comrades  tying  a  handkerchief  around  their  arms 
to  distinguish  them.  I  never  saw  a  merrier  or 
more  orderly  party.  But  everything  must  come 
to  an  end,  so  the  dancers,  the  ball  players,  the 
chess  and  card  players  all  gathered  round  a  sump- 
tuous repast. 

In  mirth  and  hilarity,  sallies  of  wit  and  pun- 
gent jokes,  after  dinner  toasts  and  stories  of  ad- 
venture, the  day  wore  away.  All  concurred  in 
saying  that  it  had  been  a  most  delightful  one. 
Evening  drew  on  and  as  is  customary  in  this  re- 
gion a  bright  camp  fire  was  built  and  all  gather- 
ed round.  We  had  heard  much  of  the  tactics  ot 
the  Iridians  in  warfare  and  so  insisted  that  Ser- 
geant EUston  should  relate  some  of  his  experi- 


THE    SERGEANT^S  STORY.  57 

ences  with  the  treacherous  savages.  ""W"e  started" 
said  he  "one  fine  morning  in  pursuit  of  a  band 
of  hostile  braves.  "We  knew  that  they  Were  in 
our  immediate  vicinity.  We  also  knew  that  they 
had  their  squaws  and  luggage  with  them,  encamp- 
ed on  the  banks  of  the  Sweet  Water. 

We  thought  we  had  a  "dead  sure  thing"  on 
them  and  so  pressed  on  in  fine  spirits.  The  riv- 
er at  this  point  was  not  fordable  and  there  was 
no  ferry.  We  felt  sure  we  should  surprise  them 
and  that  being  unable  to  get  across  the  river 
they  would  fall  an  easy  prey.  They  had  been 
very  troublesome  to  the  emigrants  and  had  kill- 
ed and  robbed  many  families,  while  crossing  the 
plains.  Imagine  our  surprise  and  chagrin  when 
on  arriv^ing  at  the  river  we  found  their  camp  de- 
serted and  no  trace  either  up  or  down  the  river 
could  we  find.  How  could  they  have  escaped? 
In  our  search  we  found  the  cabin  of  an  old  moun- 
taineer and  learned  from  him  how  they  had  es- 
caped. He  said  that  fearing  the  approach  of  the 
troops  the  Indians  had  the  day  before  all  gone 
over  the  river  and  could  now  be  seen  on  the  oth- 
er side  preparing  for  a  long  march.  The  squaws 
papooses  and  luggage  had  been  sent  over  in  bark 
canoes  and  tiie  horses  and  braves  swam  the  riv- 
er. This  was  a  most  difiicult  feat  and  one  utter- 
ly beyond  the  reach  of  our  soldiers.     An  Indian 


68  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FABWESf. 

will  send  in  his  pony,  strap  his  blanket  and  mus- 
ket on  the  top  of  his  head,  plunge  in  after  the 
pony  and  thus  swim  almost  any  river.  "It  took 
us  three  days"  said  th§  Sergeant  "to  build  a 
bridge  that  we  dare  trust  to  carry  us  across  and 
by  this  time  the  Indians  were  far  beyond  our 
reach,  resting  and  recruiting,  in  some  lovely  val- 
ley in  security."  "These  savages"  continued  he 
"are  perfectly  famili  ar  with  all  this  country  while 
our  boys  are  total  strangers.  Every  cave,  moun- 
tain, river  and  valley,  arealike  easy  of  access 
to  them  and  while  our  troops  are  planning  how 
they  can  reach  any  point,  the  Indians  are  there 
by  some  short  cut  or  secret  mountain  pass,  long 
before  them.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  dislodge 
them  or  do  anything  with  them  on  their  own 
hunting  grounds."  • 

At  the  request  of  Sergeant  EUston  I  brought 
out  my  Guitar  and  we  sang  some  parting  songs. 
The  "boys"  leave  us  to-morrow,  as  Green  River 
is  as  far  as  Col.  Collin's  command  goes.  We 
feel  deeply  grateful  for  their  protection  and 
shall  long  remember  this  4th  of  July  on  the 
Green  Ri\'er  Island.  All  joined  io  singing 
"Home,  Sweet  Home,"  and  at  its  close,  retired 
to  rest,  to  be  prepared  for  the  excitements  and 
fatigues  of  the  coming  day. 


CHAPTEEYIL 

CfLOSING  SCENES  AND  TRIALS. 


From  Mr.  Burlingame's  Journal. 

Saturday,  July  6. 

We  arose  this  morning,  feeling  that  we  had  a 
"Big  Job,"  as  Lincoln  calls  the  Rebellion,  before 
us.  We  had  crossed  two  sloughs  preliminary  to 
the  main  crossing  and  had  now  to  cross  the  third 
to  get  to  the  ferry.  We  drove  in  our  four  horses 
and  in  a  twinkling  the  strong  current  took  them 
off  their  feet.  They  were  all  down  and  I  was  in 
the  water  trying  to  get  the  harness  off  them  leav- 
ing them  free  to  swim .  A  s  I  was  on  the  upper 
side  of  the  wagon  the  current  carried  me  under 
the  horses  feet.  One  of  the  horses  lost  all  heart 
and  would  have  drowned  had  not  her  head  been 
held  out  of  the  water.  In  this  plight  myself 
and  all  the  horses  must  have  perished  had  not 
Mrs.  B,  induced  some  men,  total  strangers  to 
us,  to  risk  their  lives  to  save  mine.    They  Bwam 


60  ADVENTTJRES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

in  and  assisting  the  horses  to  their  feet,  adjusted 
the  harness  and  let  the  horses  free  from  the  wag- 
ons, when  they  swam  to  the  opposite  bank  in 
safety.  Then  by  means  of  long  ropes  fixed  to 
the  wagon  we  managed  to  pull  it  through.  We 
were  now  at  the  ferry  but  standing  in  three  feet 
of  water.  By  this  time  many  were  waiting  to 
cross  and  we  stood  there  waiting  our  turn  until 
nearly  dark.  The  ferry  was  a  flat  scow  large 
enough  for  two  wagons  and  several  horses,  and 
was  propelled  by  a  rope.  To  cross  on  such  a 
boat  over  such  a  wide  and  swift  stream  would 
be  risking  a  good  deal,  but  to  cross  now  when 
the  mountain  snows  had  swollen  this  to  a  tre- 
mendous flood,  roaring  like  a  cataract  was  dan- 
gerous in  the  extreme.  There  was  however  no 
help  for  it  and  we  had  to  nerve  ourselves  to  the 
task.  Just  as  it  became  our  turn  to  cross  and 
the  shades  of  night  made  everything  appear 
more  portentous  we  looked  up  the  stream  and 
beheld  with  dismay  an  immense  tree  with  huge 
branches  washing  down  upon  our  ferry.  We 
held  our  breath.  Would  the  branches  catch  the 
rope  and  break  it  and  thus  leave  us  here,  we 
knew  not  how  long?  Would  the  tree  ride  under 
the  rope.  We  strained  our  eyes  to  see.  The 
huge  monster,  heedless  of  our  presence  or  our 
needs  rushed  on.     The  top  branches  caught  the 


FT.  BRIDGEE.  61 

rope,  passed  it  and  left  it  wLole.  Hurrah  for 
the  rope,  hurrah  for  the  rope,  hip, hip,  hurrah!! 
We  are  safe.  God  be  thanked  was  devoutly 
breathed  by  many  voices.  On  we  drove  with 
onr  liousehold  goods,  trusting  to  this  frail 
bark  which  quivered  and  creaked  in  every  joint. 
As  we  neared  the  powerful  and  swift  current  we 
momentarily  expected  to  be  swallowed  up.  A 
single  move  of  the  horses  or  any  change  in  the 
balance  would  have  been  fatal.  The  horses  un- 
derstood the  danger  as  well  as  we  and  kept  per- 
fectly quiet  until  we  were  safe  against  the  other 
shore.  This  the  crowning  peril  of  our  perilous 
journey  being  safely  passed,  we  went  into  camp 
with  grateful  hearts. 

Monday,  Jnly  7. 
At  Green  River  we  took  a  new  escort  of  six 
mounted  men,  Mormon  volunteers.  We  travel- 
•ed  yesterday  about  18  miles  and  encamping  at 
Ham's  Fork,  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Judge 
Carter  and  lady  of  Ft.  Bridger.  They  were  en 
route  for  the  States.  .  Judge  C.  gave  us  letters 
of  introduction  to  Mr.  Hamilton  and  Col,  Mann 
of  Ft.  Bridger.  On  arriving  at  Bridger  to-day, 
we  were  most  kindly  received  and  hospitably 
entertained  by  the  resident  officers  and  men. 
Bridger  is  a  perfect  gem  on  these  arid  plains,  an 
oasis  in  the  desert.     Every  thing  that  generous 


62  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAEWEST. 

hearts  could  devise  was  done  to  make  our  stay 
here  delightful.  We  were  invited  to  Judge  Car- 
ter's residence  and  entertained  in  right  royal 
style  by  Mr.  Hamilton  who  had  charge  in  the 
absence  of  the  Judge. 

The  drive  yesterday,  over  rough  roads  at  a 
rapid  rate,  and  our  long  drive  to-day  have  so 
wearied  our  horses  that  I  determined  to  leave 
them  at  the  Ft.  and  go  on  by  stage.  The  Moi*- 
raon  escort  to-day  put  their  own  horses  in  our 
wagon  and  let  ours  rest.  Sergeant  Atwood  has 
volunteered  to  procure  for  us  four  fresh  mules 
to  take  us  on  to  Salt  Lake  City.  This  offer  was 
gratefiill}^  accepted. 

Tuesday,  July  8. 

This  morning,  Sergeant  Atwood  appeared  with 
the  mules  and  a  new  escort  of  six  mounted  men, 
and  about  ten  o'clock  we  started  under  more  fa- 
vorable auspices  for  Salt  Lake  City.  Not  wish- 
ing to  leave  the  train  with  which  we  had  travel- 
ed so  long,  we  delayed  starting  and  traveled  as 
slowly  as  we  could  induce  the  "boys"  to  go,  but 
the  escort  was  composed  of  young  mormons  who 
had  been  in  the  volunteer  service  against  the  In- 
dians and  having  been  out  two  months,  were  in 
a  hurry  to  get  home.  However  we  managed  to 
ftop  them  in  "Quaking  Asp  Hollow,"  twenty 
eight  miles  from  the  Ft.  and  our  friends  coming 


NEEDLE    BOOK.  63 

np  we  all  made  camp  together.  Tlie  grass  to 
night  was  very  fine,  with  plenty  of  sage-wood 
for  fuel  and  tolerably  good  water.  On  the  whole 
this  is  a  very  good  camp  and  as  I  am  relieved 
from  the  care  of  my  five  horses,  which  were  left 
at  Ft.  B.  I  am  in  a  good  situation  to  enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  camp  life.  I  retired  feeling  better 
than  any  time  since  leaving  the  States.  The 
face  of  the  country  has  undergone  a  wonderful 
change.  The  country  is  rough  and  mountain- 
ous, but  vegetation  begins  to  appear.  Some- 
thing besides  the  everlasting  sage  brush  and 
grease  wood  so  often  mentioned  by  Horace  Grce- 
ly  in  his  **Trip  to  California  and  Oregon."  At 
Quaking  Asp  Spring,  there  is  a  beautiful  grove 
of  these  trees,  rising  tier  above  tier  and  making 
a  very  lovely  and  attractive  picture,  breaking  up- 
on the  sight  suddenly  after  seeing  nothing  of  the 
kind  for  nearly  a  thousand  miles.  We  are  now 
approaching  Salt  Lake  Yalley,  and  we  all  share 
in  the  feeling  of  delight  incident  to  getting  to 
our  journey's  end.  "We  crossed  Bear  Kiver  on 
a  toll  bridge  and  charged  the  toll  to  "Uncle  Sam." 
We  encamped  for  our  nooning  yesterday  at  Nee- 
dle Bock  one  of  the  most  picturesque  bits  of 
scenery  on  our  way.  The  rocks  rise  up  in  spires 
like  huge  needles  and  seem  to  be  made  literally 
of  steel,  they  glisten  so  in  the  sunlight.    The 


64  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Deedles  are  of  all  lengths  and  some  seem  to 
pierce  the  sky.  A  cool  refreshing  stream  flows 
down  the  canon  making  the  sweetest  music  that 
weary  travelers  in  these  regions  can  ever  hear. 
In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  delightful  ride  down 
Echo  Canon.  This  is  a  beautiful  valley  twenty 
five  or  thirty  miles  long  and  so  named  because 
of  the  position  of  the  mountains  in  which  sound 
reverberates  from  side  to  side  in  a  most  won- 
derful manner  fiUinfi:  the  valley  with  goblins,  fai- 
ries, demons  and  all  sorts  of  Mjierd  and  unearth- 
ly  sounds. 

Our  mormon  drivers  are  very  Jehus  and  the 
way  we  drove  down  those  steep  and  dangerous 
declivities,  turning  sharp  corners  and  dashing 
over  rocks  and  streams,  was  something  fearful 
to  contemplate.  We  passed  Cache  Cave  a  large 
opening  in  the  solid  rock  and  our  guides  regaled 
us  with  many  wild  adventures  with  Indians  and 
Road  Agents  who  had  their  rendezvous  in  this 
cave.  Our  escort  were  also  detailed  to  take  two 
prisoners,  horse  thieves,  to  Salt  Lake  City.  We 
were  surprised  to  see  them  allowed  full  liberty 
to  go  where  they  pleased  and  upon  inquiry  we 
were  told  that  this  ^vas  the  custom  in  this  coun- 
try, Brigham  Young's  plan  being  to  give  tho 
prisoners  every  chance  to  escape  and  then  to  have 
them  shot  down  by  the  police,  thus  saving  con- 


.    .  WAHSATCH  MOUNTAINS.  65 

siderable  expense.  Our  delinquents  nnderstood 
the  game  perfectly  and  made  not  the  slightest 
effort  to  leave  us.  We  were  now  within  a  few 
miles  of  ^Zion.' 

Between  the  western  border  of  the  States  on 
the  Atlantic  side,  and  the  Pacific  States,  there 
are  vast  prairies,  dreary  and  treeless,  sand-hills, 
mud-flats,  rocky  mountains  and  rapid  rivers. 
After  a  journey  of  twelve  hundred  miles,  wind- 
ing through  the  tortuous  mountain  defiles,  cross- 
ing rivers  with  precipitous  banks  and  rushing, 
mighty  currents,  over  roads  that  would  terrify 
expert  Jehus,  wearied  with  a  monotony  of  sand, 
sage  brush  and  grease  wood,  we  stand  at  last  on 
an  eminence  of  the  Wahsatch  Mountains,  over 
eight  tliousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Ocean, 
surrounded  by  peaks  that  rise  majestically  above 
our  heads,  and  in  the  deep  nooks  of  which  con- 
tinually glitters  eternal  snow.  Behind  us  are 
receding,  hills,  streams  sparkling  like  diamonds 
in  the  sunlight,  the  trembling  foliage  of  the 
quaking  aspen,  narrow  gorges  and  dark,  deep 
abysses  in  the  distance.  Before  us,  the  moun- 
tains grow  lower,  and  a  lovely  valley  relieves  the 
Bight  in  the  south  west.  This  is  our  first  glimpse 
of  the  Yalley  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake.  Ilere  on 
the  summit  of  *'big  mountain,"  the  mormon  em. 
grants  fall  on  their  knees  and  pray;  some  shout 


66  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

bosannas  and  hallelujahs;  many  weep;  husbands 
kiss  their  wive?,  and  parents  their  children  in 
their  joy,  and  the  very  faithful  declare  that  they 
feel  the  Spirit;^of  God  pervading  the  atmosphere 
and  enthusiastically  believe  all  their  toils  fully 
repaid,  for  they  have  at  length  come  home,  where 
the  "wicked  cease  from  troubling  and  the  weary 
are  at  rest."  We  felt  almost  as  happy  as  the 
mormons,  to  know  that  our  long  and  perilous 
journey  was  at  an  end  and  that  only  eighteen 
miles  now  separated  us  from  rest  and  society. 

Sergeant  Atwood,  a  chivalric  Englishman,  was 
greatly  elated  with  his  position  and  was  deter- 
mined to  go  into  Salt  Lake  City  in  grand  style- 
Accordingly  on  the  morning  of  the  day  we  were 
to  reach  the  City,  he  called  his  escort  together 
and  detailed  two  to  ride  ahead,  two  behind  and 
one  on  each  side  of  the  wagon  in  the  fashion  of 
the  retainers  of  the  middle  ages.  The  'cortege 
thus  arranged,  we  cross  another  mountain  ridge, 
and  descend  into  a  most  delightfully  picturesque 
gorge,  the  "Emigration  Canon."  Admiring  the 
beauties  of  its  rocky  heights,  the  slopes  covered 
with  shrubbery  and  painted  in  all  sorts  of  rich 
colors,  as  though  a  rainbow  had  been  wrecked  on 
the  hillside,  we  turn  an  abrupt  point  and  the 
eight  that  greets  pur  eyes,  is  indeed  beautiful. 

The  valley  lies  spread  out  like  a  green  pasture, 


SALT   LAKE  CITY.  67 

the  Jordan  like  a  thread  of  silver  winding 
tliroiigh,  tlie  goldei)  grain  waving  in  the  wind, 
the  orchards  with  their  ruddy  fruit,  the  gardens 
filled  with  vegetables  and  sweet  scented  flowers, 
all  give  evidence  that  the  Goddess  of  plenty  pre- 
sides over  this  lovely  valley  of  the  Saints. 

We  are  on  the  rolling  brow  of  a  slight  decline, 
several  hundred  feet  above  our  heads  there  are 
long,  level  lines  of*  ridges,  which  are  deeply  in- 
dented on  the  mountains,  as  far  as  our  sight  can 
reach.  These  are  called  "benches,"  and  extend 
throughout  the  entire  range  of  valleys;  are  plain- 
ly visible,  exactly  level,  and  are  the  ancient 
shores  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake,  which  lies  like  a 
blue  tinted  mirror  35  miles  to  the  north-west. 
As  we  drove  down  these  plnteaus  or  benches, 
that  rise  one  above  another,  the  bugler  made  the 
welkin  ring  with  his  merry  notes,  the  inhabit- 
ants, men  women  and  children  rushed  to  the 
streets  to  see  us  ride  by.  Thus  heralded  we  drew 
up  at  the  "Townsend  House"  and  were  very  gra- 
ciously received  by  "mine  host." 


OHAPTEE  Vm. 


LIFE  AMONG  THE  MORMONS. 

The  news  spread  rapidly  and  soon  all  Salt  Lake 
City  knew  that  the  Judges  had  arrived  and  that 
they  had  brought  tiieir  families,  and  had  come 
to  live  among  them.  Gov.  H.  was  here,  having 
arrived  a  few  days  before.  All  mormondom  was 
on  the  qui  vive.  We  received  numerous  calls 
and  invitations,  boquets,  and  baskets  of  fruit, 
and  every  attention  that  we  could  desire.  Mrs. 
Hooper,  wife  of  the  mormon  re.presentative  in 
congress,  called  and  invited  us  to  her  house  for 
the  following  day.  We  met  a  number  of  prom- 
inent mormons  as  well  as  several  *'gentile"  mer- 
chants. Miss  Julia  was  delighted  with  Mrs.  H. 
and  declared  that  she  could  see  no  difference  be- 
tween mormons  and  other  people.  In  a  few  days 
it  was  intimated  than  President  Young  would 


BRIGHAM  YOUNG.  69 

be  happy  to  recei  ve  a  call  from  the  Judges  and 
families.  His  Highness  never  makes  calls,  but 
is  always  called  upon,  a  la  the  crowned  heads  of 
Europe.  Judge  Drave,  Mrs.  Burlingame,  Miss 
Julia  and  myself,  called  on  "President  Young" 
and  were  very  graciously  received.  Brigham 
Young  is  a  man  of  medium  height,  compact 
frame,  with  a  manner  deliberate  and  impressive. 
His  hair  is  sandy  and  inclined  to  curl,  features 
regular  and  expressive  of  great  determination. 
The  lower  jaw  is  firmly  set  and  very  heavy,  in- 
dicating a  savage  vindictiveness,  which  one 
would  dislike  to  arouse.  His  manner  towards 
strangers  is  simple  and  unpretending,  almost 
winning.  In  conversation  he  is  pleasant  and  af- 
fable, but  under  the  slightest  contradiction  or 
opposition,  he  becomes  restive,  his  eye  flashes 
fire  and  the  savage  element  predominates  at  once. 
Strangers  are  favorably  impressed  with  the  first 
visit  to  his  office.  They  go  to  see  and  hear  and 
Brigham  looks  well  and  is  a  good  talker.  He 
has  talent,  if  not  genius,  when  therefore,  he  is 
master  of  the  field  and  has  the  choice  of  topics, 
he  never  fails  to  make  himself  interesting. 

Our  call  was  very  pleasant.  He  invited  the 
ladies  to  call  again,  when  ho  would  introduce 
them  to  "some  of  his  wives,"  and  have  "some  of 
his  daughters"  play  for  them.     He  was  very  po- 


70     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

lite  to  Miss  Julia  telling  her  he  knew  she  would 
like  the  city  and  the  people,  and  hoping  her  stay 
with  *'his  people,"  would  prove  agreeable. 

Yesterday,  Sunday,  we  all  attended  church  at 
the  tabernacle.  Temple  Square  contains  ten 
acres;  surrounded  by  a  ten-foot  wall,  with  four 
gates,  around  which  are  planted  some  shade 
trees.  We  enter  at  the  South  gate  and  to  the 
west  is  the  tabernacle.  This  is  an  adobe  structure 
126  feet  long  by  64  feet  wide.  It  will  seat  over 
2000  persons  and  it  is  here  that  Brigham  and 
(►ther  leaders  give  the  word  of  the  Lord  every 
yabbath  to  the  people.  There  is  an  instrumental 
hand  that  plays  marches,  polkas,  original  mor- 
mon songs  to  the  tune  of  "old  Dan  Tucker,-' 
Bach's  chants  and  Haendel's  oratorios.  A  fine 
organ  and  good  choir  also  add  to  this  unique  en- 
tertainment. Upon  our  entrance  we  were  im- 
mediately shown  to  one  of  "Bro.  Brigham's" 
pews  and  seated  with  Mrs.  Cobb  one  of  the  most 
accomplished  of  his  wives.  In  the  course  of  the 
sermon  Brigham   said 

"I  defy  the  world  to  prove  that  I  have  infringed  upon  the 
UnitCvl  States  law.  If  you  tell  them  a  mOrmon  has  two 
wives  they  are  shocked  and  call  it  blasphemy.  If  you  whis- 
per such  a  thing  in  tlie  ears  of  a  gentile,  who  takes  a  fi'esh 
wife  every  night  he  is  thunderstruck  with  the  enormity  of 
the  crime. 

'-'When  the  officers  returned  from  this  territory  to  the 
states,  did  we  send  them  away?  We  did  not.    I  will  tell 


A   TEA  EARTY.  71 

you  what  t  did  and  wlmt  I  will  do  again.  T  did  chastise 
the  poor,  mean,  niiseiable  ruffian,  the  poor,  miserable  crea- 
ture who  came  here,  b.  the  name  of  Brochus,  when  he  a- 
rose  before  this  people,  to  preach  to  them,  and  tell  them  of 
meanness  which  he  supposed  they  were  guilty  of  and  tra- 
duce their  chai'acter.  It  zs  true,  as  it  is  said  in  the  report  of 
these  officers,  if  I  had  crooked  my  little  finger  he  would  have 
been  used  up.  But  I  did  not  bend  it.  If  I  had,  the  sisters 
alone  felt  indignant  enough  to  have  chopped  him  in  pieces." 

This  and  mure  of  the  same  sort  made  up  the 
sermon  which  was  evidently  intended  for  the 
benefit  of  the  new  federal  officers  who  weie  all 
pi-esent.  Thus  forewarned,  the  Governor  and 
Judges,  resolved  to  proceed  carefully  and  to  a- 
void  any  conflict  with  the  mormon  authorities, 
if  possible.  In  a  few  days  we  received  an  invi- 
tation to  tea  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Cook. 

Sev^eral  of  our  party  had  known  this  lady  in 
the  States.  She  and  her  husband  were  on  their 
way  to  California,  and  on  arriving  at  Salt  Lake 
City  were  so  pleased  with  the  place  and  peo})le, 
that  they  concluded  to  remain.  Mrs.  C.  being 
a  fine  musician  was  soon  interested  in  the  choir 
and  singing  societies  and  was  so  handsomely  and 
generously  treated  by  Young  that  she  embraced 
the  faith.  She  is  a  prominent  person  in  mor- 
mon society,  and  it  is  at  her  home  that  *'Bro. 
Brigham"  meets  those  gentiles  whom  he  wishes 
to  influence.  Miss  Julia  was  quite  elated,  feel- 
ing that  we  were   about  to  meet   with  some  of 


72    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

the  elite  of  mormondom.  We  met  here  Presi- 
dent Brigham  Young  and  Mrs.  Cobb,  one  of 
his  most  accomplished  wives,  Secretary  Fuller, 
several  mormon  dignitaries  and  their  wives,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bradish.  Professor  Redfield,  Gov.  Har- 
ding and  Judge  Drave.  The  prophet  was  po- 
liteness itself,  and  introduced  us  to  all  of  the 
company,  and  conversed  in  a  most  animated 
and  agreeable  manner.  He  was  particularly 
amiable  and  gallant  to  Miss  Julia.  During  the 
course  of  the  evening,  the  conversation  turned 
on  the  change  of  Governor,  and  Judges,  and 
Brigham 's  brow  darkened  at  once  and  he  said: 
"There  is  no  need  of  any  difl&culty,  and  there  need  be  none 
if  the  officers  do  their  duty  and  mmd  their  own  affairs.  If 
they  do  not,  if  they  undertake  to  interfere  in  affairs  that  do 
not  concern  them,  I  will  not  be  far  off.  There  was  Almon 
W.  Babbitt.  He  undertook  to  quarrel  with  mo,  but  soon 
afterwards  was  killed  by  the  Indians.  He  lived  like  a  fool 
and  died  like  a  fool." 

Thus  at  the  very  outset,  we  were  in  a  most 
pointed  and  significant  manner  warned  against 
in  any  way  interfering  with  the  peculiar  institu- 
tions of  the  "Saints."  Under  the  guise  of  po- 
liteness and  friendship,  we  could  plainly  see  the 
dark  and  villainous  character  of  the  man  with 
whom  we  had  to  deaL 


CHAPTER  IX 


LITE   AMONG  THE  MOEMONS. 

We  arrived  in  Salt  Lake  City  on  the  llth  of 
July,  and  the  24:th  is  the  anniversary  of  Mormon 
Independence.  The  Mormons  keep  this  day  and 
celebrate  it  as  we  do  the  4th  of  July.  Great 
preparations  were  in  progress  throup;hout  the 
City.  The  Governor  and  Judges  were  invited  to 
join  in  the  procession  and  they  and  their  families 
to  attend  the  grand  ball  in  the  e\'ening. 

It  is  the  policy  of  the  Mormon  leaders  to 
keep  the  people  amnsed  and  hence  dancing  and 
parties  are  very  frequent  and  popular.  This  an- 
nual ball,  however,  is  the  event  of  the  season  and 
only  the  ton  can  hope  to  attend  it. 


74     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

We  Lad  great  expectations  and  were  preparing 
to  see  Mormon  society  at  its  best.  The  evening 
came  and  we  repaired  to  the  great  Hall.  It  was 
a  scene  of  gajety  indeed,  the  Prophet  and  his 
wives,  the  '^Heads''  of  the  church  and  their  wives 
in  brilliant  array  were  there  and  "all  went 
merry  as  a  marriage  bell."  Governor  Harding, 
the  new  Judges  and  their  ladies  were  given  seats 
of  honor  and  the  eyes  of  all  were  upon  them. 
The  introductions  were  truly  a  novelty.  The 
high  dignitaries  introduced  their  wives  to  us 
several  in  succession.  After  this  unique  cere- 
mony, Governor  H.  said  to  one  of  the  ladies  as 
he  led  her  forth  to  the  dance,  "The  President 
has  introduced  several  of  his  wives  to  me  as 
'Mrs.  Young,'  'Mrs.  Young,'  'Mrs.  Young.'  As 
\  ell  miglit  the  astronomer  point  me  to  the  stars 
in  the  heavens,  without  giving  me  their  names." 
''Governor,  I  understand  your  compliment  and 
appreciate  it.  The  name?  of  this  particular  Star 
is  Lucy."  Judge  Burlingame  having  invited 
'Mrs.  Young"  to  dance,  "President"  Young 
turned  to  Mrs.  Burlingame  and  said,  "You  see 
your  husband  there  dancing  with  one  of  my 
wives,  will  you  accept  me  as  a  partner  for  the 
next  set?"  Mrs.  Burlingame  said,  "President 
Young,  I  do  not  dance."  He  took  a  seat  by  her 
side  and  said,  "Will  you  allow  your  husband  to 


^Tealoust.  75 

dance  when  you  do  not?"  She  said,  "Certainly, 
I  do  what  I  think  is  right,  and  he  does  the  same. 
"I  have  no  wi^h  to  dictate  to  him  and  he  does 
not  dictate  to  me."  "Ah,"  said  he,  "This  is  new 
doctrine,  right  is  but  a  relative  term,  the  circum- 
stances must  determine  that."  The  set  ended 
and  the  Prophet,  gay  and  smiling,  with  great 
suavity  and  politeness  addressed  Miss  Julia  and 
invited  her  for  the  next  dance. 

He  was  faultlessly  attired  and  a  good  dancer 
and  as  he  led  the  beautiful  Gentile  lady  forth, 
all  eyes  were  turned  that  way,  and  no  doubt  ma- 
ny a  jealous  pang  racked  many  a  heart. 

The  balls  afford  splendid  opportunities  to  the 
men  for  flirting  with  the  gii-ls.  No  matter  how 
old  or  how  homely  a  man  is,  he  thinks  he  has  as 
much  right  to  flirt  and  dnnce  with  the  girls  as 
the  youngest  boy;  for  they  all  consider  them- 
selves single  men  if  they  have  a  dozen  wives. 
Every  young  woman  that  comes  among  these 
people,  is  courted  and  flattered  by  the  old  mar- 
ried men  as  much  or  more,  as  by  the  young  men. 
Miss  Julia  was  the  admired  of  all  admirers. 

The  President  had  set  the  example  and  the 
other  dignitaries  vied  with  each  other  in  doing 
her  homage.  She  was  affable  and  gracious  and 
treated  all  in  a  very  charming  manner. 

The  ladies  were  equally  pleased  jind  she  made 


76  ADVENTtJRES  IN  THE  FAE   WEST. 

many  acquaintances  among  the  "plural"  wives. 
As  she  was  sitting  quietly  conversing  with  an 
army  officer,  she  over-heard  two  Mormon  wom- 
en talking.  One  said,  *'My  husband  has  brought 
his  girl  here  to-night;  but  I  have  not  spoken  to 
her  and  I  don't  intend  to.  See  her"  she  ex- 
claimed, "making  love  to  him  and  smiling  so 
sweetly.     I  could  tear  her  in  pieces." 

Thus  suddenly  was  disclosed  to  Miss  Julia  the 
horrible  nature  of  Polygamy.  While  all  were 
smiles  and  gayety  on  the  surface,  underneath 
were  the  monsters  of  jealousy,  hatred  and  re- 
venge. Just  at  this  juncture,  supper  was  an- 
nounced. 

President  Young  escorted  Mrs.  Burlingame, 
Judge  Burlingame  invited  Mrs.  Emeline  Free 
Young.  Governor  Harding,  JMrs.  Lucy  Bigelow 
Young,  and  General  Kimball  accompanied  Mfss 
Julia.  The  meal  was  elegant,  the  dishes  abund- 
ant and  well  served.  After  dinner  speeches, 
toasts,  wit  and  repartee  combined  to  make  the 
"feast  of  reason  and  flow  of  soul"  complete. 

After  supper  the  guests  returned  to  the  ball 
room  and  tripped  the  "light  fantastic  toe"  until 
the  morning  hours. 

During  the  evening  many  odd  and  laughable 
incidents  occurred.  Hel)er  0.  Kimball  intro- 
duced five  or  six  of  his  wives  to  us  in  succession, 


HOUSE   HUNTING.  77 

and  when  asted  if  these  were  all,  replied,  "O 
dear!  no,  I  have  a  few  more  at  home  and  fiftj  or 
80  scattered  over  the  earth  somewhere." 

We  left  the  Hall  about  2  A.  M.  having  wit- 
nessed the  most  novel  and  interesting  scene  of 
our  lives. 

All  this  time  we  had  been  boarding  at  the 
^'Townsead  House,"  and  we  now  were  obliged  to 
turn  our  attention  to  the  more  disagreeable  pas- 
time of  house-hunting.  We  soon  found  that 
all  the  property  here  is  consecrated  to  the  Church 
and  that  we  could  not  even  rent  a  house  without 
consulting  Brigham  Young.  We  found  a  house 
formerly  occupied  by  Judge  Stiles  which  could 
be  had  if  Bro.  Brigham  was  willing,  so  a  corres'- 
pondence  was  opened  with  the  Prophet  and  he 
graciously  consented  that  we  should  have  the 
house. 

We  now  addressed  ourselves  to  getting  settled 
and  were  kindly  assisted  by  our  neighbors  who 
were  allpolygamists.  One  family  across  the  way 
consisted  of  three  sisters,  all  married  to  one 
man.  Our  landlord  had  two  wives,  one  we  could 
understand,  the  other  we  could  not.  They  were 
good  neighbors,  called  us  Brother  and  Sister  and 
brought  us  of  their  poultry,  fruits  and  vegeta- 
bles and  received  in  exchange  what  they  rarely 
tasted,  tea,  coffee  and  sugar. 


78  ADVENTURES  IN   THE  FAfi  WEST. 

As  soon  as  we  were  settled,  we  began  to  look 
about  us  find  use  our  eyes  and  ears.  What  we 
saw  and  heard  did  not  incline  us  to  retain  the 
favorable  opinion  we  had  formed  of  Mormon  so- 
ciety. 

We  soon  found  that  the  people  were  under  an 
absolute  despotism,  and  that  their  lives  and  lib- 
erties were  wholly  in  the  power  of  one  man. 
Nothing  conld  be  said  or  done,  no  business  trans- 
acted without  his  knowledge  or  consent.  During 
what  is  called  the  reformation,  all  the  people 
were  required  to  make  deeds  of  their  homes  and 
place  them  in  trust  in  Brigham's  hands.  Thus 
they  were  body  and  soul  in  his  power  and  if  they 
varied  from  his  will  in  any  way,  their  houses 
and  lands  were  forfeited  to  the  Church. 

Mis&  Julia  had  written  some  very  interesting 
and  spicy  letters  to  the  Boston  papers  in  which 
she  had  criticised  polygamy  in  an  unfriendly 
manner.  This  changed  their  whole  course  to- 
wards us  from  the  kindest  consideration,  to  the 
bitterest  hostility. 

We  were  all  attending  Church  one  Sunday  at 
the  Tabernacle,  when  we  were  surprised  and 
startled  to  hear  ourselves  denounced  by  Heber 
C.  Kimball,  1st  Counsellor  to  Brigham,  in  the 
following  language.  "These  are  d — d  pretty  la- 
dies and  gentlemen  to  come  here  among  us  and 


TEOUBLE   BREWING.  ^  79 

after  beiug  treated  to  the  best  we  have,  to  de- 
nounce our  Institutions  and  abuse  our  hospitali- 
ty. If  I  had  my  way  I  would  send  them  to  h — 11 
cross  lots,  and  I  now  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God. 
curse  them,  from  the  crowns  of  their  heads  to 
the  soles  of  their  feet,  henceforth  and  forever." 
From  this  time  everything  was  done  to  annoy  and 
intimidate  us. 

The  Judges  and  Governor  were  openly  threat- 
ened  on  the  public  streets.  Miss  Julia  seeing 
what  a  storm  she  had  innocently  raised,  was 
greatly  alarmed,  and  a  good  opportunity  offering 
she  left  Salt  Lake  City,  and  took  up  her  resi- 
dence in  Carson  City,  Nevada.  Mrs.  Burlin- 
game  was  at  this  time  the  only  "Gentile  lady"  in 
Salt  Lake  City.  ^Notwithstanding  the  anger  of 
the  Mormon  leaders,  many  of  the  "plural"  wom- 
en came  secretly  to  the  house  of  Mrs.  Burlin- 
garae  and  told  her  their  trials  and  how  they 
disliked  polygamy  and  how  happy  they  would  be 
were  they  safely  out  of  it. 

One  very  intelligent  English  woman  said  she 
knew  polygamy  was  wrong  and  wanted  to  get 
out  of  it,  but  that  she  dared  not  make  a  move 
as  she  knew  her  husband  would  shoot  any  man 
who  should  assist  her  or  ever  afterwards  give  her 
any  "Attention.  Her  story  revealed  some  of  the 
most  diabolical  features  of  the  Mormon  faith,  and 


80     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

is  as  follows: — 

"We  were  living  quietly  in  our  lovely  cot- 
tage Lome  in  the  outskirts  of  London  and 
were  as  happy  as  husband  and  wife  could  be. 
Our  honey  moon  was  scarcely  over,  when  my 
husband  came  home  one  day  greatly  excited. 
He  told  me  that  some  missionaries  had  arrived 
from  America  who  brought  the  most  glorious  ti- 
dings.  The  new  Dispensation  was  begun  on 
earth  and  the  Millenium  was  about  to  be  usher- 
ed in.  The  Missionaries  had  come  from  the  New 
Jerusalem  let  down  from  God  out  of  Heaven, 
upon  the  tops  of  mountains  and  that  all  nations 
were  commanded  to  "flow  unto  it.'' 

I  thought  my  husband  perfect  and  believed, 
because  he  did.  We  were  told  that  there  was 
neither  cold  nor  hunger  in  the  new  City,  but 
that  all  was  peace  and  joy.  We  embraced  the 
faith  and  were  soon  on  our  way  to  *'Zion." 

Just  before  leaving  England,  my  husband  was 
ordained  an  Elder  and  his  faith  and  enthusiasm 
knew  no  bounds.  Many  things  transpired  on 
the  long  and  dreadful  journey  to  sorely  shake 
our  faith  but  we  were  so  blind !  So  blind ! I  We 
were  commanded  to  make  the  journey  overland 
from- Council  Elufls  with  hand  carts,  as  a  trial  of 
our  faith  and  promised  a  greater  exaltation  in 
the  next  world,  as  our  reward. 


HAND-OART   COMPANY.  81 

Id  our  company  there  were  many  wealthy  and 
intelligent  ladies  who  had  left  all  for  the  new  re- 
ligion. Their  money  and  fine  clothing  and  jew- 
elry had  been  given  to  the  Church  and  they  had 
subjected  themselves  to  all  the  rigors  of  the 
inclement  season  with  nothing  but  the  barest 
necessaries  of  life.  We  arrived  at  the  frontier 
-very  late  and  before  we  had  proceeded  far  on  our 
way,  snow  began  to  fall  and  the  weather  be- 
ing very  severe,  many  became  sick  from  want 
and  exposure.  We  were  required  to  make  the 
journey  on  foot,  in  the  main,  but  were  some- 
times allowed  to  ride  in  order  to  rest  our  weary 
frames. 

When  a  river  was  to  be  crossed,  we  were  driv- 
en into  the  water,  men,  women  and  children, 
and  were  told  that  if  our  faith  was  sufiicient,  we 
should,  like  the  Israelites  of  old,  go  over  dry 
shod.  Many  men  carried  their  wives  and  chil- 
dren over  as  long  as  they  were  able.  If  any 
were  unable  to  drag  their  carts,  they  were  oblig- 
ed to  lighten  them  by  throwing  away  clothing, 
cooking  utensils  and  even  provisions,  thus  de- 
priving themselves  of  a  certain  portion  of  their 
daily  allowance.  Fuel  was  scarce,  and  it  was  of- 
ten necessary  to  go  into  the  snow  waist  deep  to 
procure  it.  Mr.  Chapman,  a  strong,  athletic 
man,  formerly  a  member  of  the  Queen's  Guards, 


82  ADVBNTUEES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

from  constant  exertion  and  exposure,  at  length 
fell  sick. 

He  was  not  allowed  to  ride  as  long  as  lie  could 
stand  and  drag  one  foot  before  the  other.  He 
grew  rapidly  worse,  and  it  soon  became  evident 
that  he  must  die.  One  morning,  when  the  train 
was  ready  to  start,  the  Captain  came  to  the  tent 
of  the  sick  man,  and  finding  him  dying,  said  to 
Mrs.  Chapman,  "Your  husband  must  die;  leave 
him  in  the  hands  of  God  and  proceed  on  your 
journey."  "What!"  said  the  heart  stricken 
woman,  "leave  my  husband  on  this  barren  waste, 
a  prey  to  the  wolves?  ISTo;  while  there  is  breath 
in  my  body,  I  shall  remain  by  his  side  and  share 
his  fate.  Leave  us  if  you  will,  for  the  wild 
beasts  of  the  desert  cannot  be  more  cruel  than 
you  have  been." 

In  five  minutes  more  he  breathed  his  last;  and 
throwing  him  into  a  hble  dug  in  the  sand,  they 
dragged  the  weeping  wife  and  children  from  all 
they  held  dear  on  earth.  In  a  few  dajs  the  same 
woman  left  her  baby,  too.  on  the  sands  of  the 
desert,  a  pi'ey  to  wolves.  She  says,  "I  never  can 
see  Franklin  D.  Richards,  (Captain)  but  I  feel 
hand  carts  from  the  crown  of  my  head  to  the  soles 
of  my  feet." 

Much  cruelty  was  exercised  for  the  slightest 
(Jifiobedience.     One  young  man  was  wL  ipped  near- 


OEUELTY.  83 

ly  to  death,  merely  because  he  was  unable  to 
travel  as  fast  as  desired  and  drag  as  much  on  his 
hand  cart  as  the  Captain  had  given  him.  An- 
other man  who  had  given  up  all  his  money  and 
a  valuable  gold  watch  and  chain,  asked  for  a  dol- 
lar back  to  buy  tobacco  and  was  refused.  While 
the  men  were  shamefully  treated  and  abused, 
many  of  the  younger  and  better  looking  women 
were  allowed  to  ride  all  the  time  and  to  have  all 
they  desired  to  eat,  thus  depriving  the  hard  work- 
ing men  of  their  portion. 

One  day,  as  we  approached  our  Mecca,  an  old 
white-haired  saint  said  to  the  Captain,  in  a  weak 
voice,  "Captain,  I  feel  as  if  I  should  die,  drawing 
in  this  hand  cart.  Can't  I  ride  a  little  while?" 
"Draw  till  you  die  then"  replied  the  hard-heart- 
ed wretch,  "for  I'll  be  d — d  if  you  can  ride." 

"Oh,  well,"  Faid  the  old  man,  "I  suppose  I 
must  draw  till  1  die."  He  took  out  his  watch. 
"A  quarter  of  four.  It  will  soon  be  over.  Ten 
minutes.  Oh  dear;  Oh,  my  God  I  Five  minutes 
to  four, — four;  and  the  old  man  fell  down  in  his 
place, — he  was  dead." 

Every  day  witnessed  the  death  of  large  num- 
bers by  cold  and  starvation.  Those  who  survived, 
were  more  like  walking  skeletons  than  human 
beings.  They  were  covered  with  vermin  and 
loathsome  to  behold.    Some  were  so  badly  fro^eix 


84  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

that  the  flesh  fell  from  their  bones. 

During  all  this  long  and  terrible  journey,  my 
husband  had  kept  up.  He  had  ministered  to  the 
sick  and  dying,  had  helped  to  bear  the  burdens 
of  the  weak,  and  had  in  every  way  shown  him- 
self a  worthy  disciple  of  the  meek  and  lowly 
Jesus  whose  minister  he  was.  He  had  never 
heard  of  the  dark  and  mysterious  doctrines  of 
the  Church  and  had  only  seen  the  fair  and  come- 
ly garments  of  the  bride  of  Christ,  until  he 
started  on  this  overland  journey.  When  well 
away  from  civilization,  and  so  far  that  return 
was  impossible,  the  peculiar  doctrines  began  to 
be  darkly  hinted  at. 

We  were  seated  one  evening,  after  a  rather  ea- 
sy day,  around  a  camp  fire  and  recalling  home 
and  friends,  and  having  a  little  social  chat,  when 
Bro.  Richards  seated  himself  in  our  midst  and 
said,  "Brethren  and  Sisters,  there  are  many 
things  in  our  blessed  religion,  which  we  do  not 
teach  among  the  ungodly  Gentiles.  If  you  are 
faithful,  you  will  soon  be  ushered  into  the  holy 
of  holies  and  be  permitted  to  know  the  myste- 
ries of  Godliness,  and  participate  in  nil  the  privil- 
eges of  the  Saints  of  the  Most  High.  Our  re 
ligion  teaches  us  that  there  are  many  Gods,  and 
they  are  of  both  ibexes.  But  to  u--,  Ihere  is  but 
one  God,  the  Father  of  mankind,  and  the  Crea- 


THEOLOGY.  85 

tor  of  the  earth.  Men  and  women  are  literally, 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  God,  our  spirits  hav- 
ing been  literally  begotten  by  God,  in  the  heav- 
enly world,  and  having  been  afterwards  sent  to 
this  earth,  and  invested  with  these  tabernacles. 
God  is  in  the  form  of  man. 

He  has  a  body  composed  of  spiritual  matter. 
There  is  no  difference  between  matter  and  spirit, 
except  in  quality.     Spirit  is  matter  refined. 

God  is  omnipotent,  but  not  personally  omni- 
present. He  is  everywhere  present  by  his  Holy 
Spirit.  His  personality  is  generally  expressed 
by  the  phrase,  "He  has  body,  parts,  and  pas- 
sions." He  resides  in  the  center  of  the  universe 
near  the  planet  Kolob.  This  planet  rotates  on 
its  axis  once  in  a  thousand  of  our  years,  and  one 
revolution  of  Kolob  is  a  day  to  the  Almighty. 
Jesus  Christ  was  the  Son  of  God,  literally  be- 
gotten by  the  Father,  and  had  the  Spirit  of  God 
in  the  body  of  a  man. 

After  his  resurrection,  he  had  a  body  of  flesh 
and  bones  only,  typical  of  man's  resurrected 
body.  He  differs  in  nothing  from  the  Father, 
except  in  age  and  authority, — the  Father  having 
the  seniority,  and  consequently  the  right  to  pre- 
side. The  Holy  Spirit  is  a  subtle  fluid,  like 
electricity.  It  is  the  subtlest  form  of  matter 
and  pervades  all  space.     By  its  agency,  all  mir- 


86  ADVBNTUBES  IN  THBJ  FAR  WEST. 

ades  are  performed.  Miracles  are  simply  the 
effects  of  the  operation  of  natural  laws.  But 
they  are  laws  of  a  higher  character  than  those 
with  which  we  are  acquainted. 

The  Holy  Spirit  is  communicated  by  the  lay- 
ing on  of  hands  by  one  of  the  properly  author- 
ized priest-hood,  and  the  recipient  is  then  enabled 
to  perform  wonderful  things,  according  to  his 
gift, — some  having  the  gift  of  prophecy,  some 
of  healing,  some  of  speaking  in  unknown  tongues, 
&c.  There  are  three  heavens, — the  telestial,  the 
terrestrial  and  the  celestial.  The  celestial  and 
terrestrial  heavens  are  to  be  occupied  by  the  va- 
rious classes  of  persons  who  have  neither  obeyed 
nor  rejected  the  gospel.  The  telestial  is  typified 
by  the  Stars, — the  terrestrial  by  the  Moon. 

The  celestial,  or  highest  heaven,  has  for  its 
type  the  Sun,  and  is  reserved  for  those  who  re- 
ceive the  testimony  of  Jesus,  and  were  baptized 
by  one  having  authority  from  Him,  aud  who 
afterwards  lived  a  holy  life. 

The  earth,  as  purified  and  refined,  after  the 
second  coming  of  Christ,  is  to  be  the  final  abode 
of  those  entitled  to  the  glories  of  the  celestial 
kingdom.  Jerusalem,  is  to  be  rebuilt,  and  Zion, 
or  the  New  Jerusalem,  is  to  be  built  in  Jackson 
County,  Missouri,  whence  the  Saints  were  ex- 
pelled in  1833. 


APOSTASY.  87 

There  is  a  fourth  class  of  persons,  not  entitled 
to  either  of  these  heavens.  They  are  those  who 
sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost;  that  is,  who  aposta- 
tize after  receiving  the  Holy  Spirit.  These  go 
into  everlasting  punishment,  to  remain  with  the 
devil  and  his  angels.  The  gospel  which  men  are 
called  upon  to  obey,  in  order  to  gain  a  place  in 
the  Celestial  Kingdom, is  First, — They  must  be- 
lieve in  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Son  of  God,  in  His 
authorized  priesthood,  and  in  His  Prophets,  Jo- 
seph Smith  and  Brigham  Toung,  Secondly, — 
They  must  repent  of  their  Sins ;  Thirdly, — They 
must  be  baptized  by  immersion  for  the  remis- 
sion of  their  own  sins  and  for  the  sins  ot  their  an- 
.  cestorsand  families,  who  died  without  faith. 

Fourthly, — They  must  receive  the  laying  on 
of  hands  for  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Fifthly, — They  must  believe  that  there  are 
sins  that  men  commit  that  cannot  be  atoned  for 
in  this  world  and  that  only  blood  atonement  will 
save  their  souls.  They  must  have  their  blood 
shed  by  the  proper  authorities  to  wit  the  priest- 
hood, that  the  smoke  thereof  may  ascend  and  that 
the  incense  may  come  up  before  God  as  ah  atone- 
ment for  their  sins.  Sixthly,-— They  must  be- 
lieve that  if  a  man  is  faithful,  God  will  give  unto 
him  many  wives  and  concubines  ashe  did  unto  Da- 
vid and  Solomon  of  old  according  to  the  revelation 


88    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

which  God  give  to  His  servant  Joseph  Smith. — 
Seventhly, — They  must  believe  that  if  a  man 
*  dies  his  brother  must  take  his  wife  and  raise  up 
seed  unto  his  dead  brother.  Brethren  and  sisters 
these  are  a  few  of  the  principles  of  our  religion 
which  you  will  know  and  understand  better  when 
jouhave  taken  your  endowments  and  been  sealed 
up  unto  eternal  lives. 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  discourse  all  sat  as 
if  turned  to  stone.     !N"o  one  ventured  to  speak. 

This  horrible  revelation  in  this  desert  wilder- 
ness far  from  the  habitations  of  men,  had  some- 
thing so  unearthly  and  startling  in  it  that  we 
were  nigh  paralized.  I  little  thouglit  that  1  was 
soon  to  experience  the  working  of  one  of  the 
most  repulsive  of  these  doctrines.  After  this 
my  husband  lost  lieart;  he  would  remain  hours 
without  speaking,  he  had  no  appetite  and  a  fever 
began  to  burn  in  his  veins. 

A  few  days  later  we  arrived  in  Salt  Lake  City 
the  end  of  our  journey,  the  Mecca  of  our  hopes 
and  plans.  My  husband  grew  rapidly  worpe  and 
the  end  came,  but  1  was  not  prepared.  I  thought 
he  could  not  die  and  leave  me  thus  in  a  strange 
land.     He  had  a  brother  but  I  hated  him. 

It  was  late  at  night,  when  my  husband  drew 
his  last  breath  in  my  arms.  I  laid  his  dear  head 
back  on  the  pillow  and  as  I  did  so  my  senses  failed. 


MY  husband's  brother.  89 

How  long  I  remained  thus,  I  know  not,  but 
when  I  regained  consciousness,  I  saw  bending 
over  me  that  hated  form.  •  His  attentions  were 
persistent  and  unmislakeable;  I  groaned  in  spirit 
and  tiicd  to  put  him  from  me.  He  said,  *' Why- 
resist,  you  know  I  have  always  adored  you  and 
now  you  are  mine  by  our  holy  religion.  I  must 
raise  up  seed  for  my  dead  brother  and  you  must 
be  sealed  to  your  husband  while  I  act  as   proxy. 

"There  lies  your  darling  husband.  You  have 
never  been  sealed  to  him.  You  have  not  taken 
your  endowments  and  if  you  do  not  you  will  not 
be  his  in  another  world." 

Oh!  the  agony  of  that  moment;  no  words 
can  portray  my  feelings  when  I  realized  that  he 
said  the  truth.  I  sent  for  Brigham  Young.  ,1 
told  him  how  I  loved  my  husband  and  hated  my 
husband's  brother.  I  besought  him  to  let  this 
cup  pass  from  me.  He  seemed  greatly  affected 
and  said  I  should  not  be  my  brother's  wife  but 
that  he  should  only  act  as  proxy  for  my  husband 
in  going  through  the  endowment  ceremonies 
which  were  indispensable  in  order  that  I  should 
belong  to  my  husband  in  another  world. 

I  believed  him  and  as  well  as  I  could  prepared 
for  tlie  ceremonies.  The  Priests  and  Prophets 
gathered  around  the  dead  form  of  my  loved 
one  and  the  rites  for  the  dead  and  living  were 


90  ADVENTURES  IN   THE   FAR  WEST. 

solemnlj  performed.  I  was  almost  insensible  to 
what  was  passing  and  only  knew  that  I  was  be- 
ing married  to  my  dead. 

We  laid  him  to  rest,  but  scarcely  had  the  grave 
closed  its  portals,  before  the  hated  ibrm  of  his 
brother  presented  itself.  I  bade  him  leave  me 
never  to  return.  He  smiled  a  triumphant  and 
wicked  smile  and  said  "No,  No,  my  darling,  I 
shall  never  leave  you,  for  you  are  my  lawfully 
wedded  wife."  I  had  been  married  to  this  man 
over  the  body  of  my  dead  husband.  I  screamed 
for  help,  I  invoked  the  spirit  of  my  dead  husband, 
Bro.  Brigham  and  God  himself  to  free  me  from 
this  hated  bond.  My  reason  fled,  for  days  I  lay 
in  a  fearful  fever  and  my  life  hung  in  the  balance. 

I  sent  for  Bro.  Brigham  and  told  him  I  could 
not,  would  not  live  if  he  persisted  in  making  mc 
the  wife  of  the  man  I  hated.  At  length  over- 
come by  my  entreaties  he  gave  me  a  divorce  and 
life  began  again  to  seem  worth  having.  I  never 
think  of  this  time  without  shuddering  at  the 
awful  fate  which  I  so  fortunately  escaped." 


CHAPTER  X. 


JOURNEY  TO  CARSON  CITY. 

It  was  a  lovely  morning  in  September,  1862, 
when  a  coach  and  four  dashed  rapidly  up  in  front 
of  the  Burlingame  residence.  Miss  Julia, 
dressed  in  traveling  costume  came  out  and  shak- 
ing the  dust  of  the  Saintly  City  from  her  feet 
was  off  in  search  of  further  adventures.  Her 
traveling  companions  were  Gov.  Doty,  Supt.  of 
Indian  Affairs  and  Mr.  Cook,  the  manager  of  the 
Overland  Stage  Company.  We  will  let  her 
give  us  an  account  of  her  journey. 

"I  had  been  in  Salt  Lake  City  about  two 
months  and  had  made  the  acquaintance  of  Brig- 
ham  Young  and  several  of  his  wives  and  daugh- 
ters. I  had  met  most  of  the  principal  Apostles 
and  High  Dignitaries  and  had  been  very  hand- 
somely treated  until  I  had  i»  my  letters  home 


92     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Baid  sometliing  derogatory  to  the  peculiar  insti- 
tution. From  this  time  my  stay  became  very 
unpleasant  and  I  conchided  to  go  to  Nevada.  I 
was  sorry  to  leave  my  brother  and  his  family  be- 
hind but  considered  it  my  duty  to  get  away  while 
I  had  a  good  opportunity. 

The  only*^*modfe  of  travel  being  by  stage  the 
journey  was  a  difficult  and  tedious  one.  Gov. 
Doty  had  been  many  years  in  the  west  and  enter- 
tained us  with  stories  of  his  travels  and  hair 
breadth  escapes  among  the  Indians  of  these 
mountains.  The  Snakes  and  Bannocks  had  be- 
come very  hostile  and  it  was  necessary  to  take  a 
trip  among  them  to  quiet  them  down.  We  start- 
ed from  Salt  Lake  in  May  and  traveled  North- 
ward to  Snake  River.  The  Indians  in  these 
regions  are  nearly  all  Mormons  and  have  their 
endowment  robes.  We  had  a  Mormon  guide  and 
through  him  the  Indians  understood  that  Brig- 
ham  wanted  them  to  be  friendly. 

We  called  a  council  of  braves  and  made  pres- 
ents to  our  Lamanite  brethren.  They  received 
our  presents  with  condescension.  We  gave  a 
blanket  to  one  sister,  which  she  received  with 
dignified  indifference  but  when  we  offered  her 
some  vermilion  paint,  her  features  became  ani- 
mated and  she  received  it,  radiant  with  smiles. 

In  fifteen  minutes  her  comely  face  was  bedaub- 


AN  li^'DlAN  WAR  DANOB.  93 

ed  with  it  and  her  beauty  greatly  heightened  in 
her  own  estimation.  After  the  treaty  was  con- 
cluded we  wound  up  with  an   Indian  war  dance. 

On  a  slight  elevation  sat  the  Chiefs  and  Medi- 
cine men,  dressed  in  their  robes  of  state.  All 
the  ornamentation  known  to  savage  men  was 
brought  into  use.  War  paint,  beads,  shells,  bones 
of  animals  and  fishes,  deerskin  ornamented  with 
beads  and  moccasins  of  the  finest.  The  braves 
formed  a  ring  around  their  head  men  and  the 
musicians  with  bones,  rude  drums  and  a  sort  of 
triangle,  began  the  march.  Round  and  round 
they  circled,  growing  more  and  more  excited  with 
the  exercise  and  noise  until  the  very  heavens 
were  rent  with  their  fiendish  yells  and  cries. 

Ever  and  anon  they  would  set  up  the  war- 
whoop  and  then  all  would  join  hands  and  sudden- 
ly fall  prostrate  on  the  ground.  We  were  only 
too  happy  when  the  ball  broke  up  and  gladly 
escaped  from  the  hospitality  of  our  entertainers. 
While  on  this  trip  we  visited  a  wonderful  cave. 
A  strong  curreut  of  air  swept  through  the  cave 
with  difge-like  sound  resembling  the  music  of 
an  Julian  harp.  We  lighted  our  torches  and 
entered  the  subterranean  passage.  The  torches 
were  lighted  and  we  walked  through  the  dust  of 
ages  of  about  five  hundred  years. 

A  yawning  chasm  opened  at  our  feet.     Lights 


94  ADVENTURES    IN   THE    FAE   WEST. 

were  lowered,  steps  were  hewn  in  the  solid  rock 
now  seen  winding  in  a  spiral  form.  We  prepar- 
ed to  descend.  Turning  to  the  right  at  the  bottom 
of  the  stairs  the  sight  that  now  greeted  the  vis- 
ion was  ^-esplendent  with  beaut  v.  The  purest 
stalactite?  of  crystalized  carbonate  of  Jimehung 
from  the  ceiling.  Wreaths  of  pink  colored  sul- 
phates of  lime,  quartz  and  spar,  crystals  studding 
the  sides;  their  beauties  made  us  feel  that  we 
were  in  the  fairies' realm. 

The  melody  which  had  struck  our  ears  at  the 
entrance  had  subdued  and  now  resembled  the 
distant  murmur  of  a  symphony  of  Mendelssohn 
executed  on  some  grand  organ.  This  was  soon 
succeeded  by  unearthly  yells,  interrupted  from 
time  to  time  by  a  mocking  laugh  in  a  deep  bass, 
such  sounds  and  yells  as  one  might  expect  to  hear 
in  Satan's  dominions.  Somewhat  startled  with 
wliat  we  saw  and  heard,  we  entered  an  apartment 
resplendent  with  beauty.  Stalactites  hanging 
from  the  roof  fully  fifty  feet  from  the  floor  and 
stalagmites  running  up  to  meet  them  half  way, 
gave  the  vast  chamber  the  appearance  of  an  al- 
abaster Cathedral  with  its  tiers  of  columns  in 
regular  order,  connected  by  wreaths  from  column 
to  column. 

In  the  distance  we  had  discovered  what  we 
thought  was  a  mass  of  curious  quartz  crystals, 


THE  ENCHANTED  CAVE.  95 

but  on  approaching  it  we  saw  that  it  was  a  living 
spring  jutting  from  the  floor  and  rising  to  a 
height  of  five  feet  then  parting  in  the  center  to 
fall  in  a  th-  usand  little  streams  and  disappear- 
ing forever.  As  we  stood  in  mute  amazement  gaz- 
ing at  this  beautiful  sight  a  huge  animal  sprang 
from  his  lair  and  scattered  us  in  every  direction. 
The  report  of  a  dozen  revolvers  vibrated  to  the 
unknown  depths  and  some  of  the  fragile  forma- 
tions on  the  ceiling  fell  to  the  floor. 

The  concussion  put  out  the  lights  and  we  grop- 
ed our  way  back  to  the  entrance.  On  our  way  we 
found  a  magnificent  mountain  lion,  eleven  feet 
from  tip  to  tip,  the  monster  which  a  few  moments 
before  had  thrown  our  party  into  such  confusion 
at  the  crystal  fountain.  After  an  exceedingly  fa- 
tiguing ascent  we  again  reached  the  upper  air 
and  were  satisfied  to  remain  on  top  of  ground 
for  some  time  afterward." 

With  good  company  and  well  trained  steeds 
our  journey  passed  very  pleasantly.  We  were 
now  appioaching  the  Sierra  Nevada  Range  so 
called  because  its  sides  and  tops  are  covered  with 
perpetual  Snow.  We  dashed  along  close  to  the 
edge  of  precipices  one  thousand  feet  below  us 
and  one  miss  step  of  our  horses  would  have 
launched  us  into  eternity  in  an  instant  of  time, 
fhis  proximity  to  danger  is  very  exciting  anc} 


96  ADVENTURES   IN    THE    FAR  WEST. 

seemed  rather  to  increase  than  diminish  the  plea- 
sure of  the  ride. 

We  arrived  safely  at  Carson  City  on  schedule 
time  and  I  found  my  good  cousin  ready  to  receive 
me  with  open  arms."  What  befell  Miss  Julia 
in  her  home  in  the  Sierras  must  be  resei'ved  to 
another  chapter. 


CHAPTER  XL 


8AUNTERINGS  AROUND  THE  HOLY  CITY. 

There  is  no  more  beautiful  place  than  Salt 
Lake  City.  It  is  in  a  lovely  valley  with  benches 
rising  on  three  sides  of  it  and  a  fertile  plain 
opening  away  to  the  south,  tlirougli  which  the 
Jordan  winds  its  silvery  way,  giving  life  and 
beauty  in  its  course.  Tiie  City  is  watered  by 
irrigation,  the  water  being  brought  in  ditches, 
principally,  from  City  Creek.  Without  this  ar- 
tificial plan  of  watering  the  gardens  and  fields, 
this  valley  would  forever  remain  a  barren  waste; 
with  it,  the  "The  wilderness  is  made  to  rejoice 
and  blossom  as  the  rose."  Little  rivulets  are 
carried  along  every  street  and  the  cotton-wood 
furnishes  ample  shade. 

Imagine  then  the  City,  with  singing  rills, 
lovely  shade,  blooming  gardens  and  sweet-scent- 


98  ADVENT  UEES  IN   THE  FAR   WEST. 

ed  orchards  of  peach,  plum,  apricot  and  pear 
trees,  and  over  all  the  clear  vault  of  heaven  with- 
out cloud  or  mist,  and  away  in  the  distance  the 
snow-capped  mountains  whence  come  the  cool- 
ing  breezes  and  cause  the  nights  to  be  refreshing, 
though  the  days  may  be  oppressive.  This  is  the 
most  pirfect  climate  on  the  continent. 

The  air  is  perfectly  dry,  the  stars  seem  bright- 
er and  more  numerous  and  the  blue  vault  of 
heaven  seems  ten  times  higher  and  purer,  than 
in  other  climes. 

Let  us  take  a  stroll  around  the  City  and  got 
acquainted  with  it,  and  the  people.  Here  we 
are  at  Temple  Block,  in  the  center  of  the  City. 

We  have  come  upon  a  street  full  of  stores. 
Enormous  stocks  of  merchandise  are  yearly  im- 
ported across  the  plains,  and  fortunes  are  rapidly 
accumulated.  On  Temple  Block,  is  the  Taber- 
nacle and  here  is  where  the  Grand  Temple  is  to 
be.  When  it  is  finished  and  consecrated,  Jesus 
Christ  is  to  come  again  and  to  take  up  his  abode 
here  and  confer  degrees  on  the  Saints.  Such  is 
their  fanatical  belief. 

To  the  right  of  this,  is  a  very,  pretty  house, 
occupied  by  the  five  widows  of  the  late  Jedediah 
M.  Grant,  one  of  Brigham's  Counselors. 

A  large  barrack  looking  house,  is  tenanted  by 
Ezra  T.  Benson   and  his  four  ladies.     A  mean 


THE   GEAND   HAEEM.  99 

looking  house  to  the  west,  by  Parley  P.  Pratt 
and  his  nine  wives.  In  that  long  dirty  row  of 
single  rooms,  half  hidden  hj  a  beautiful  garden 
and  orchard,  lives  Dr.  Richards  and  his  eleven 
consorts.  Wilford  Woodruff  and  five  wives  re- 
•  side  in  another  large  house  still  further  west. 
Orson  Pratt,*  the  Emerson  of  Mormonism,  and 
his  five  wives  live  near  by  in  a  retired  country 
looking  house.  All  these  are  "Apostles,"  and 
their  names  are  inseparable  from  Mormon  His- 
tory. 

Looking  towards  the  north,  we  espy  a  whole 
block  covered  with  houses,  barns,  orchards  and 
gardens.  Here,  with  his  eighteen  or  twenty 
families,  dwells  Heber  C.  Kimball,  First  Coun- 
selor toEiigham  Young,  and  one  of  the  most 
sensual,  gi oss  and  profane  men  that  ever  dis- 
graced a  community.  Strange  scenes  disturb  the 
seeming  serenity  of  this  Mormon  Paradise. 
Passing  these,  we  arrive  at  the  Geand  Harem, 
"The  Lion  House,"  in  which  many  of  the  Proph- 
et's wives  reside. 

This  is  a  three- storied  building,  with  peaked 
gable,  and  narrow  pointed  Gothic  roof  and  cost 
the  owner  $30,000. 

But  for  the  good  management  of  Bro.  Brig- 
ham,  it  would  have  cost  more,  for  when  it  was 
ready  to  shingle,   the  Prophet  had  a  revelation 


100     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

to  the  effect  that  the  carpenters  should  *'Shin^le 
the  Lion  House  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  Holy  Priesthood."  A  large 
lion  carved  in  stone,  is  placed  upon  a  pillared 
portico  in  frcnt  of  the  edifice,  "resting,  but 
watchful,"  emblematic  of  Brigham,  who  is  call- 
ed the  "Lion  of  the  Lord." 

Passing  a  row  of  neat  offices  we  arrive  at  the 
Mansion,  a  large  handsome  building,  excellently 
built  and  dazzlingly  white.  It  is  balconied  from 
ground  to  roof;  on  the  top  is  an  observatory, 
surmounting  which,  is  a  bee  hive,  the  Mormon 
symbol  of  industry.  Eastward  still  and  further 
back  from  the  street,  stands  the  school-house  for 
the  Young  family,  and  further  to  the  right, 
stands  the  "White  House,"  occupied  by  Mrs. 
Young,  the  first  wife,  and  her  children. 

It  is  a  lonesome  looking  old  house,  the  win- 
dows are  small  and  far  between;  just  such  a 
house  as  you  would  imagine  to  be  haunted. 

To  the  east,  and  connected  with  the  Harem 
by  a  private  passage-way,  is  Brigham's  general 
business  office.  This  is  a  large  room  with  three 
desks  on  either  side;  those  to  the  left  on  enter- 
ing, being  appropriated  to  the  clerks  of  "Brig- 
ham  Young,  Trustee  in  Trust  for  the  Church," 
and  those  to  the  right  used  by  the  clerks  of  "B. 
Young  &  Co."     Still  further  east  and  connected 


MORMON   DANCES.  lOl 

by  another  passage-way,  is  the  private  ofSce  of 
the  ^'President.'-  Back  of  this,  is  the  sanctum 
sanctokum;  the  Prophet's  own  private  bedroom. 
Here  is  the  '^veil,"  behind  which,  he  receives 
his  "revelations." 

He  usually  occupies  this  room  alone  and  when 
he  wishes  the  company  of  one  of  his  wives, 
sends  a  message  to  that  effect.  "When  he  is  sick 
he  designates  one  of  them  to  attend  upon  him, 
that  one  being  usually  the  reigning  favorite. 

These  with  other  smaller  buildings,  make  up 
the  improvements  on  the  Prophet's  Block,  and 
constitute  a  small  town  in  themselves. 

Struck  with  the  fact  that  most  of  the  eligible 
property  appears  to  be  in  the  hands  of  "the  au- 
thorities," we  continue  our  walk  to  Social  Hall. 
This  is  an  adobe  building  73x33  feet.  In  this 
building  is  performed  dramatic  representations 
from  Shakspeare's  tragedies  to  the  broadest  far- 
ces, by  a  company  of  Mormon  Amateurs.  In 
it  too,  they  *'teach  the  young  idea"  to  dance. 
The  Mormons  repudiate  waltzes,  mazourkas, 
schottisches,  and  round  dances  generally,  because 
they  do  not  want  their  wives  and  daughters  to 
be  "so  intimate  with  other  men." 

Cotillions,  contra-dances  and  old  fashioned 
reels  are  in  high  esteem,  and  a  Mormon  genius 
has  invented  a  "double  cotillion,"  giving  two  la- 


102     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WESf. 

dies  to  each  gentleman,  a  very  necessary  arran^ye- 
ment  as  there  are  about  three  and  one  half  of 
the  fair  sex,  to  one  of  the  masculine  persuasion. 
The  Council  House,  a  two  storied  building  45  ft. 
square,  next  attracts  our  attention.  It  is  used 
as  a  printing  office  and  from  it  is  issued  the 
great  Mormon  weekly  newspaper,  the  (»rgan  of 
the  Church,  "The  Deseret  News."  There  is  an 
observatory  on  the  top  of  this  building  from 
whence  we  get  a  better  view  of  the  City  than  we 
f)ave  heretofore  had. 

From  hence  we  have  the  Court  House  point- 
ed out  to  us,  a  large  adobe  structure,  the  seat  of 
Mormon  law  and  justice.  Here  the  Territorial 
Legislature  meets  to  draw  the  government  ap-. 
propriations,  and  immediately  on  its  adjourn- 
ment, the  Legislature  of  the  "State  pf  Deseret," 
meets  to  make  the  laws.  The  United  States 
Government  and  its  officers  are  entirely  ignored 
by  the  Mormons,  and  Brigham  Young  and  his 
hierarchy  have  full  and  exclusive  control  of  ev- 
erything. 

The  Arsenal,  is  a  gloomy  old  pile  on  the  north 
hill  overlooking  the  City.  Here  are  stored  all 
the  fire-arms  and  ammunition  of  the  "Nauvoo 
Legion,"  a  military  organization  formed  before 
leaving  the  States  and  of  which  Daniel  H.  Wells 
is  Commander-in-chief.    This  was  the  formida- 


l-ITHING.  lOS 

ble  army  of  half  clad,  half  starved  raganniflSiis 
that  whipped  out  our  army  under  Johnson,  sent 
bj  Buchanan  to  conquer  the  Mormons  in  1857, 
which  expedition  cost  our  government  tw.enty 
millions  of  dollars. 

Another  notable  building  is  the  Tithing  office, 
a  large  spacious  building,  with  cellars,  store- 
rooms and  offices  attached.  Each  person  on 
entering  the  Mormon  Church,  is  required  to  pay 
the  tenth  of  his  or  her  property  to  the  Lord's 
servants  for  "building  up  temples,  Or  otherwise 
beautifying  and  adorning  Zion,  as  they  may  be 
directed  from  on  high."  Having  tithed  their 
property,  they  must  tithe  their  yearly  income 
for  the  same  purpose,  thus  rendering  about  one 
fifth  of  their  substance  to  the  Church. 

The  ladies  give  a  tenth  of  their  fowls,  a  tenth 
of  the  eggs,  and  then  a  tenth  part  of  the  chick- 
ens hatched,  without  regard  to  loss.  Everything 
sent  as  tithing,  must  be  of  the  very  best,  as  tlie 
Lord  will  accept  nothing  that  has  a  blemish  or 
imperfection.  But  the  Prophet  was  not  satisfied 
and  so  had  a  law  passed  making  it  legal  for  the 
people  to  transfer  their  property  to  the  Church. 
He  then  commanded  them  to  consecrate  their  all 
to  the  Church,  on  pain  of  everlasting  hell. 

This  was  at  the  time  of  the  Keformation  when 
the    doctrine    of  blood-atonement  was     freelj 


104     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

preached. 

Jedediah  M.  Grant,  one  of  Brigham's  Coun- 
Belors  said  in  a  sermon: 

"Brethren  and  sisters,  we  want  you  to  repent  and  forsake 
your  sins.  And  you  who  have  committed  sins  that  cannot 
be  forgiven  through  baptism,  let  your  blood  be  shed,  and  let 
(lie  smoke  ascend,  that  the  incense  thereof  may  come  up  be- 
fore God  as  an  atonement  for  your  sins,  and  that  the  sin- 
ners iu  Zion  may  be  afraid."  , 

So  great  was  the  excitement  caused  by  this 
doctrine,  tliat  many  came  and  oiFered  np  their 
lives  on  the  altar  of  sacrifice.  This  altar  was 
erected  within  Temple  Block  by  this  same  bloody 
Priest,  J.  M.  Grant. 

Those  who  did  not  feel  like  being  killed,  ap- 
peased the  anger  of  the  Almighty  by  deeding 
and  consecrating  their  property  to  the  Church, 
for  Brigham  was  shrewd  enough  to  see  that  if 
their  substance  was  in  his  power,  he  could  hold 
the  rod  over  them  and  they  would  be  powerless. 
Said  Brigham,  in  speaking  of  this  law,  *'Men 
love  riches,  and  can't  leave  without  means.  Now 
if  you  tie  up  the  calf,  the  cow  will  stay." 

Here  we  are  at  Temple  Block,  but  we  have  de- 
scribed this  elsewhere  and  will  say  in  passing, 
that  on  this  block  is  the  Tabernacle,  and  north 
of  this,  a  frame-work  covered  with  boughs  and 
called  the  *'Bowery."  This  is  used  for  conference 
meetings,  being  capable  of  accommodating  8.000 


THE   TEMPLE.  105 

persons.  It  is  a  singular  scene  when  filled  with 
well-dressed  and  earnest  devotees,  who  listen 
with  rapt  attention  to  utterances  of  their  spirit- 
ual leaders  and  take  it  all  in  as  gospel  truth. 

Tn  the  north-west  corner  of  this  block  is  the 
Endowment  house,  where  the  secret  ordinances 
of  Mormonism  are  administered.  For  a  more 
complete  description  of  the  sink  of  iniquity,  see 
chapter  on  Mormon  Mysteries. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  this  square,  are  the 
foundations  for  the  famous  Temple.  They  are 
of  solid  rock,  and  have  already  cost  over  a  mil- 
lion, in  material  and  labor,  more  than  the  whole 
of  theNauvoo  Temple  when  complete.  It  is  ex- 
tremely doubtful  whether  this  building  will  ever 
be  finished,  and  many  think  it  was  never  the 
intention  of  Brigham  that  it  should  be  finished, 
because  he  knew  that  he  could  not  carry  out  his 
promises  made  to  the  people,  that  Jesus  Christ 
would  re-a})pear  when  the  Temple  was  completed 
and  Himself  administer  the  endowments  to  his 
chosen  people. 

We  have  now  visited  the  greater  part  of  the 
public  buildings  and  have  seen  Salt  Lake  City 
as  it  appeared  on  a  beautiful  October  duy,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  1862. 


CHAPTER  Xn. 


HAPPENINGS  IN  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 
From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 
We  are  now  in  the  midst  of  a  polygamous 
commnnity.  The  Mormon  polygamist  has  no 
Home.  Some  have  their  wives  in  small  discon- 
nected houses.  Some  have  long  low  houses  and 
on  taking  a  new  wife,  add  a  room  to  the  row. 
Some  have  but  one  house  and  crowd  them  all  to- 
gather,  without  regard  to  comfort,  or  even  de- 
cency. When  tliey  live  in  diJBferent  houses,  the 
husband  has  to  give  each  wife  her  turn  to  cook 
for  him  and  he  honors  their  tables  with  his  pres- 
ence in  rotation.  Jealousies  the  most  bitter,  re- 
proaches the  most  gallinfij  and  acrimony  without 
end  are  the  consequences  of  the  slightest  parti- 
ality. 


GENTHISH.  10? 

It  is  impossible  for  any  man  to  equally  love 
several  women  at  the  same  time.  The  nature 
most  in  unison  with  his  own,  will  most,  attract 
him.  To  feel  partiality  and  not  exhibit  it,  is 
unnatural,  to  exhibit  it  and  have  it  pass  unnotic- 
ed by  a  jealous  woman  is  impossible.  Any  hus- 
band might  feel  to  kiss  his  wile  gladly;  to  go 
round  a  table  and  kiss  half  a  dozen  is  no  joke. 
Every  word,  every  look,  every  action  has  to  be 
weighed,  or  else  there  is  bitterness,  and  vituper- 
ation. Warmth  of  feeling,  tenderness  of  attach- 
ment, is  called  by  the  worst  of  Mormon  epithets 
"Gentilish."  "Man  must  value  his  wife  no 
more  than  anything  else  he  has  committed  to 
him,  and  be  ready  to  give  her  up  at  any  time  the 
Lord  calls  on  him,"  Said  Brigham  one  Sunday 
afternoon;  and  J.  M.  Grant  followed  the  remark 
by  saying,  "  If  God,  through  his  prophet,  wants 
to  give  my  women  to  any  other  man  more  worthy 
than  I  am,  there  they  are  on  the  altar  of  sacrifice; 
he  can  have  them  and  do  what  he  pleases  with 
them."  In  spite  of  the  constant  effort  to  keep 
the  women  quiet  they  are  discontented  and  un- 
happy. 

The  first  wives  are  the  most  miserable.  In 
one  of  Brigham  Young's  sermons  he  said, — 

Now  for  my  proposition;  it  is  more  particn- 
l;;'iy  for  iny sisters.     Men  say.  My  wife,  though 


108  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

a  most  excellent  woman  has  not  seen  a  happy  day 
since  I  took  my  second  wife.'  'No,  not  a  happy 
day  for  a  year,'  says  one;  and  another  has  not 
seen  a  happy  day  for  five  years.  It  is  said  that 
women  are  tied  down  and  abused;  that  many 
are  wading  through  a  perfect  flood  of  tears. 

I  wish  my  own  women  to  understand  that 
what  I  am  going  to  say  is  for  them  as  well  as 
others,  and  I  want  those  who  are  here  to  tell 
their  sisters,  yes  all  the  women  of  this  com- 
munity. I  am  going  to  give  you  from  this  time 
to  the  6th  day  of  October  next,  for  reflection,  that 
you  may  determine  whether  you  wish  to  stay  with 
your  husbands  or  not,  and  then  I  am  going  to 
set  every  woman  at  liberty  and  say  to  them, 
"Now  go  your  way,  my  women  with  the  rest; 
go  your  way." 

And  my  wives  have  got  to  do  one  of  two  things, 
either  round  up  their  shoulders  to  endure  the 
afiiictions  of  this  world,  and  live  their  religion, 
or  they  may  leave,  for  I  w^ill  not  have  them  a- 
bout  me.  I  will  go  into  heaven  alone,  rather 
than  have  scratching  and  fighting  around  me.  I 
will  set  all  at  liberty.     'What,  first  wife,  too? 

Yes,  I  will  liberate  you  all.  1  know  what  my 
women  will  say;  they  will  say,  'You  can  have 
as  many  wives  as  you  please,  Erigham?'  But  I 
want  to  go  somewhere  and  do  something  to  get 


BEOTHEE  8HUETLEFF.  109 

rid  of  the  whiners." 

We  were  invited  to  spend  the  day  with  Broth- 
er ShiDtlefi'  a  regular  old  patriarch  with  five  wives 
and  twenty  children.  When  dinner  was  readv 
we  were  seated  in  the  places  of  honor  to  the 
right  of  the  host  and  the  first  wife  took  her  place 
opposite  her  husband.  The  plural  wives  with 
their  children  were  seated  in  their  order  the 
grown  up  sons  and  daughters  of  the  first  wife 
near  their  mother.  There  were  twenty-one  per- 
sons at  the  table  including  Mr.  Burlingame  and 
myself.  The  patriach  in  a  very  feeling  manner 
called  down  blessings  on  us  and  all  mankind  and 
but  for  the  knowledge  that  we  were  in  a  polyg- 
amic household  we  would  have  enjoyed  our  visit 
immensely. 

After  dinner  the  youngest  wife  and  favorite 
combed  and  ])rushed  the  patriarch's  flowing  white 
locks  and  seemed  as  fond  of  him  as  any  new 
made  bride.  We  chatted  with  the  different 
wives,  praised  their  children,  walked  around  the 
farm  and  inspected  the  garden,  orchard,  cattle 
and  grain,  and  truly  the  Lord  had  blessed  this 
modern  Abraham  in  his  basket  and  in  his  store. 

When  we  were  ready  to  depart  Bro.  Shurtleff 
loaded  us  down  with  apples,  pears  and  peaches 
and  with  kind  adieus  to  the  five  Mrs.  Shurtleff, 
and  a  hearty  hand  shake  from  Bro.  S.  we  stepped 


no     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

into  onr  carriage  and  drove  back  to  the  City. 

In  October,  1862,  great  excitement  prevailed 
because  the  government  was  sending  troops  to 
Utah.  The  Mormons  looked  npon  this  as  a  men- 
ace and  feared  that  another  "  war"  was  imminent. 
Thej  declared  that  the  soldiers  shonld  never  cross 
the  Jordan,  but  in  spite  of  their  threats,  on  a 
bright  morning  in  October,  Col.  Connor,  with 
his  command  marched  into  and  through  Salt 
Lake  City  and  established  his  camp  on  the  "bench" 
about  three  miles  east  of  the  City,  and  overlook- 
ing it. 

The  people  were  made  to  believe  that  the  new 
Governor  and  Judges  had  something  to  do  with 
the  fcoming  of  the  troops  and  decided  hostility 
was  manifested  towards  them.  Gov.  Harding's 
message  to  the  Legislature  commented  very 
severely  on  polygamy  and  aroused  a  great  deal 
of  feeling.  Then  a  bill  was  sent  on  to  Congress 
to  enable  the  Federal  officers  to  carry  out  the  laws 
and  to  punish  polygamy.  This  was  the  last  straw 
that  broke  the  camel's  back  and  a  great  indigna- 
tion meeting  was  held  in  the  Tabernacle.  The 
Governor  and  Judges  were  denounced  and  threat- 
ened and  a  committee  appointed  to  invite  them 
to  leave  the  Territory.  Threats  of  personal  vio- 
lence were  freely  used  and  the  situation  was  be- 
coming anything  but  agreeable.    We  were  all 


MOBBING  THE  GOVEENOB.  Ill 

sitting  qnietlj  one  evening  in  the  parlor  of  the 
Governor's  house,  when  we  were  startled  bj  loud 
cries  and  oaths  outside,  and  in  a  moment  more, 
missiles  and  rotten  eggs,  were  being  thrown  in 
rapid  succession  against  the  house. 

Windows  were  broken  and  glass  flew  in  every 
direction;  they  were  mobbing  the  Governor's 
house.  He  let  them  alone  until  they  got  tired; 
he  said  that  he  could  stand  it  if  Brigham  could 
for  the  owner  would  have  to  repair  the  damages. 

After  this  we  kept  our  house  well  guarded. 
We  bad  two  six  shooters,  and  Mr.  Burlingame 
insisted  on  my  learning  how  to  use  one  of  them, 
one  double  barrelled  shot  gun,  one  axe,  one  club 
and  several  other  weapons,  offensive  and  defen- 
sive. The  Mormons  would  loudly  threaten  to 
hang  Mr.  Burlingame  as  they  passed  the  house, 
but  we  soon  became  accustomed  to  their  style 
and  paid  no  attention  to  it.  Mr.  B.  went  where 
he  pleased,  day  and  night,  but  kept  his  eyes  open 
and  his  revolvers  ready.  We  were  warned  and 
watched  and  surrounded  by  spies  who  were  list- 
ening for  every  word,  to  report  to  Brother  Brig- 
,ham. 

Notwithstanding  these  unpleasant  surround- 
ings, we  all  like  Salt  Lake  and  greatly  enjoy  our 
residence  here.  We  have  ascertained  to  our  satis- 
feotion  that  the  Mormons  are  cowards  and  when 


112  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR   WEST. 

• 

they  find  we  are  not  afraid  of  them  they  will  let 
us  alone.  The  Cavalry  at  Camp  Douglas  had  a 
review  a  few  days  ago  and  came  down  pretty  near 
the  City,  and  the  people  came  running  to  us 
frightened  half  to  death  thinking  they  were  go- 
ing to  be  attacked.  The  Mormon  leaders  have 
forbidden  their  wives  and  daughters  to  come  and 
see  us  so  wo  have  to  seek  our  society  at  Camp 
Douglas. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


LIFE  AT  CAMP  DOUGLAS.  . 
From  Mrs.  Burliiigame's  Journal. 
There  are  no  more  gaj  and  hospitable  people, 
than  the  Military.  About  fifteen  of  the  officers 
stationed  at  Camp  Douglas  had  brought  their 
families.  Ilouses  were  built,  and  though  rude, 
were  made  very  home-like,  and  comfortable. 
Gen.  Connor's  residence  was  quite  aristocratic 
and  pretentions.  Surgeon  Reid  and  lady,  were 
also  housed  very  comfortably.  Capt.  McLean 
and  Madam,  entertained  handsomel3\  Capt. 
Hoyt  and  his  lovely  wife  wore  good  and  kind. 
Mrs.  Reid,  an  accomplished  lady  born  in  the 
Bermuda  Islands,  of  English  parents,  (her  fath- 
er was  Governor  General  of  the  Islands,)  was  as 
kind  to  me  and  mine,  as  if  she  had  been  my  sis- 
ter.   She  had  brought  on  her  carriage  and  horsea 


114     -      ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

from  California  and  scarcely  a  week  passed  that 
we  did  not  go  out  prospecting,  or  visiting  some 
place  of  interest  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
City. 

One  fine  morning,  we  were  oflT  to  visit  Great 
Salt  Lake.  We  passed  Hot  Springs  where  the 
water  would  boil  an  egg,  and  crossed  the  sandy 
plain  on  a  gradual  descent  to  the  Lake  which  is 
surrounded  by  long  stretches  of  baked  and  crack- 
ed soil,  over  which  is  an  incrustation  of  daz- 
zling salt  crystals.  The  water  of  Salt  Lake,  is 
the  strongest  natural  brine  in  the  world,  holding 
iu  solution,  over  22  per.  cent,  of  diflferent  salts. 
Its  dark,  sluggish  waves  forcibly  remind  the 
gazer,  of  the  Dead  Sea,  and  were  it  not  that  this 
is  4.200  feet  above,  and  that  1.000  feet  below 
the  level  of  the  Ocean ;  this  locked  in  by  sur- 
rounding mountains,  ..while  that  rolls  over  the 
"cities  of  the  plain,"  it  would  be  easy  to* fancy 
one  self  away  in  Palestine  and  looking  on  that 
scene  of  human  corruption,  decay  and  deso- 
lation. 

After  partaking  of  a  sumptuous  lunch,  several 
of  the  party,  attempted  to  take  a  swim  in  the 
Lake.  We  could  neither  sink  nor  swim  and  were 
pretty  much  in  the  condition  of  the  man  who 
put  on  cork  shoes  when  going  in  to  bathe. 

Some  of  us  were  so  unwise  as  to  have  on;- 


SWIMMING  IN   SALT   LAKE.  115 

mouths  open  and  the  snrf  dashed  the  salt  water 
into  them,  and  so  strangled  us,  that  we  did  not 
recover  our  equilibrium  for  some  time.  We  de- 
cided that  swimming  in  Salt  Lake  was  not  a 
success,  and  on  coming  out,  we  found  ourselves 
in  the  condition  of  Lot's  wife  to  all  outward  ap- 
pearances. Mrs.  Eeid  said  that  the  next  time 
she  went  to  Salt  Lfike^  she  should  keep  on  the 
outside  of  it,  and  not  get  it  on  the  outside  of 
her. 

Before  starting  for  home,  we  visited  a  cave 
near  by,  said  to  have  been  the  rendezvous  and 
grave  of  a  band  of  Indian  warriors.  They  were 
fleeing  from  their  victorious  enemies,  when  they 
espied  this  cave  and,  unfortunately,  sought  it  for 
safety.  The  victors  guarded  its  entrance  care- 
fully, allowing  none  to  escape.  All  died  from 
starvation  and  their  bones  lie  bleaching  in  this 
desert  cave.  The  sensations-  produced  by  this 
dreadful  sight,  cast  a  damper  over  the  remainder 
of  our  visit. 

^  As  winter  approaches,  everything  assumes  an 
air  of  gayety  about  the  Camp.  Preparations 
are  on  foot  for  a  New  Year's  Ball.  We  are  all 
looking  forward  to  the  event,  with  much  pleas- 
ure. Last  week,  one  fine  morning,  Mrs.  Capt. 
McLean  sent  down  horses-  "all  saddled  and 
bridled j"  and  requested  our  presence  at  breal?- 


116     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

fast.  We  hastily  prepared  ourselves  and  mount- 
ing our  steeds,  rode  up  to  the  Camp.  Breakfast 
not  being  ready,  several  of  the  party  proposed  a 
ride  up  the   Canon    as  an  appetizer. 

We  started  in  gay  spirits  up  Emigration  Creek 
and  the  ride  was  truly  delightful.  The  birds 
were  singing  sweetly  in  the  tree-tops  of  cotton- 
wood,  pine  and  hemlock,  the  water  of  the  Creek 
dashed  over  little  precipices  and  dancing  joyous- 
ly in  the  sunlight,  fell  from  height  to  height, 
making  many  picturesque  little  falls.  The  .'jir 
was;  cool  and  delicious,  and  so  pure  that  we 
felt  as  much  exhilarated  by  it  as  if  we  had  been 
taking  laughing  gas.  Our  horses  also  felt  it  and 
were  difficult  to  manage.  After  a  glorious  ride. 
we  returned  to  a  breakfast  fit  for  a  king  and  we 
did  it  ample  justice. 

We  are  here  4.200  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
Ocean.  From  the  tops,  of  these  mountains,  we 
had  marine  shells  brought  to  us,  showing  con- 
clusively, that  at  some  period  of  time,  Old  Ocean 
rolled  over  the  tops  of  these  mountains.  Truly 
this  is  a  land  of  wonders! 

New  Year's  Eve  came  at  last  and  with  it,  the 
grand  ball.  The  Hall  was  draped  with  ever- 
greens, and  the  stars  and  stripes  floated  over  all, 
assuring  us  that  we  were  under  the  protection 
of    the  freest  government  on  e^rth, 


THE  MILITARY  BALL.  117 

What  a  contrast  between  this  assembly  and 
the  Mormon  anniversary  that  we  attended  last 
summer!  The  Military  officers  with  their  wives, 
the  Federal  officers  and  their  families,  and  the 
Gentile  residents  of  Salt  Lake  City  made  up  the 
company.  Not  a  man  but  would  have  drawn 
his  sword  in  defense  of  his  wife  or  sweet-heart, 
not  a  man  but  would  have  scorned  a  polygamist, 
and  would  have  resented  any  attention  from  one, 
to  his  wife.  These  were  the  brave  and  noble 
sons  of  California  who  were  ready  at  any  and  all 
times  to  go  to  the  front  and  do  battle  for  the 
Union,  but  who  were  kept  here  to  set  that  the 
Mormons  did  not  inflate  the  minds  of  the  In- 
dians and  cause  an  outbreak  while  the.  Union 
was  in  danger. 

The  ball  was  opened  by  a  grand  quadrille,  in 
which  Governor  Harding,  General  Connor,  Judg- 
es Burlingame  and  Drave  participated.  After 
this,  the  dancing  was  confined  principally  to  the 
younger  members  of  the  company.  The  menu 
was  elegant  and  costly,  and  the  festivities  con- 
tinued into  the  wee  sma'  hours.  We  remained 
until  the  next  morning  and  after  breakfast,  wit- 
nessed a  most  beautiful  sight  from  the  top  of  the 
Camp  Observatory,  viz;  the  valley  of  the  Great 
Salt  Lake  in  the  distance,  and  the  Oquirrh 
Range  beyond.     The  sun  shone  down  upon  'he 


118  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

whole  and  lighted  np  the  monntain  peaks  with 
molten  gold,  while  the  snow-capped  mountains 
sparkled  like  diamonds  as  the  sun  dissolved  the 
rajs  of  light  into  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow. 
We  returned  to  our  home  in  the  City,  thankful 
that  we  were  under  the  protecting  care  of  the 
noble  officers  and  men  of  Camp  Douglas. 

Everything  that  they  can  do  is  done  to  make 
our  stay  here,  pleasant  and  profitable. 

Gen.  Connor  has  been  very  kind  to  the  poor 
among  the  Mormons,  often  sending  them  flour 
and  provisions.  The  Apostates  would  have  been 
cut  off  "root  and  branch,"  if  the  troops  had  not 
been  here.  The  Morrisites  were  starved,  burn- 
ed out,,  beaten  and  murdered  before  the  army 
came  in,  but  now,  the  Mormons  dare  not  touch 
them.  They  will  not  employ  them  to  do  any 
kind  of  work  and  consequently,  they  have  no 
way  of  living;  Brigham  through  the  law  of  con 
secration  having  possessed  himself  of  most  of 
their  property. 

The  troops  are  in  the  City  a  great  deal,  going 
back  and  forth  as  much  as  they  please,  much 
against  the  wishes  of  the  leaders.  They  are 
creating  great  dissatisfaction  among  the  rank 
and  file  of  the  Mormons,  and  though  Brigham 
has  given  strict  command  that  his  people  shall 
not  trade  with  the  soldiers,  they  are  constantly 


kY  BITTER  ENEMY.  ll9 

doing  it,  on  the  slj.  I  have  bought  fionr  of  nny 
Mormon  neighbors  at  $11  per '  hundred,  and 
sold  it  to  the  Camp  for  $15,  the  said  neighbors, 
not  daring  to  sell  it  direct  for  fear  their  Prophet 
would  find  it  out.  Brigliam  is  now  my  bitter 
enemy  and  says  he  would  rather  have  forty 
"Gentile"  men  among  his  people,  than  one  "Gen- 
tile" woman.  I  like  my  life  here,  very  much. 
There  is  just  enough  of  danger  to  make  it  ex- 
citing and  just  enough  of  adventure  to  make  it 
interesting. 


CHAPTEE  XIY. 


PRACTICAL    POLYGAMY. 

From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 

Yesterday  I  disguised  myself  by  dressing  like 
a  Mormon  "sister,"  with  a  slat  sun  bonnet  and 
a  calico  skirt  and  sacque,  and  started  out  in 
search  of  a  house.  The  emigrants  had  just  come 
in  and  it  was  a  common  thing  for  them  to  go 
house  hunting.  I  had  heard  that  there  was  an 
old  English  couple  who  had  a  young  woman,  the 
man's  second  (plural)  wife,  chained  in  a  dark 
damp  cellar. 

They  wanted  to  rent  a  part  of  their  house,  so 
I  went  in.  They  eyed  me  very  closelj^,  but  I 
was  so  familiar  with  Mormon  slang  and  so  fluent 
in  talking  their  religion  that  like  a  certain  other 
party  that  we  read  of,  1  deceived  the  very  elect. 


CHAINED  IN  A  CELLAE.  121 

Tliej  showed  me  the  house  above  stairs  but  witb 
ail  my  hints  about  the  cellar  I  could  not  induce 
them  to  take  me  down  there.  While  rumag- 
ing  around  the  kitchen  I  hear  a  young  child  cry. 
Looking  at  the  old  lady  I  as  much  as  said, 'that 
cannot  be  yours.'  She  understood  me  and  she 
carelessly  remarked,  "it  is  my  husband's  by  his 
second  wife."  "Where  is  it"  I  said.  "0,  down 
there,"  pointing  to  the  cellar  way;  "let  her  be- 
have herself  next  time."  My  suspicions  were 
fully  confirmed  when  I  heard  a  weak  voice  call 
out,  "I  am  so  iaint,  can't  1  have  a  cup  of  tea?" 
"No"  growled  tiie  old  woman  "you  dont  deserve 
it." 

I  could  get  but  little  out  of  the  old  woman, 
except  that  the  woman  had  been  refractory  and 
was  there  to  be  punished.  I  went  out  burning 
wi  th  anger,  but  suppressing  it  as  much  as  possible. 
I  called  into  a  neighbor's  house  and  the4e  learned 
the  dreadful  truth.  This  old  pair  of  ghouls  had 
come  over  from  England  some  two  years  ago 
bringing  with  them  one  of  the  many  foolish 
young  girls  that  are  inveigled  into  Mormonism 
by  the  hellish  arts  of  Mormon  "Elders."  After 
being  in  Utah  a  few  months  she  was  made  ac- 
quainted with  celestial  law  and  told  that  she 
must  be  sealed  to  the  old  man.  She  rebelled 
and  called  in  her  brother  to  aid  her.    He  went 


122  ADVEiTTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

to  Brigbam  about  it  but  he  said  it  was  only  a 
"wLim  and  she  would  soon  get  over  it. 

Accordingly  she  was  taken  to  the  Endowment 
House  and  there  sfealed  to  the  old  man.  After 
this  they  were  very  cruel  to  her  and  treated  her 
worse  than  a  plantation  slave.  She  was  made 
to  do  all  the  work  in  the  house  and  also  work  in 
the  field.  She  was  starved  and  beaten  and  abused 
in  all  the  brutal  ways  that  a  brutal  man  can  in- 
vent. When  her  baby  was  but  three  days  old 
this  fiend  in  human  shape  renewed  his  abuse 
and  when  the  poor,  feeble,  sufierin^  creature 
protested,  he  dragged  her  from  her  bed  by  the 
hair  of  her  head,  and  threw  her  down  into  the 
damp  cellar  on  a  little  heap  of  straw.  As  soon 
as  she  could  muster  strength  she  climbed  up  the 
stairs  and  then  he  chaiked  heb  in  the  cellab. 
This  neighbor  took  her  food  and  drink  and  put 
it  through  the  grated  window  to  her.  It  is  need- 
less to  add  that  she  is  insane  from  cruelty  and 
want  and  that  Brigham  has  sent  for  her  brother 
to  come  and  take  her  down  South.  He  fears  the 
"Gentiles"  will  get  hold  of  it,  so  my  Mormon 
"sister"  says.  I  came  home  with  a  heavy  heart 
resolved  to  do  something  to  help  them  poor 
women  if  possible. 

On  my  way  home  I  stepped  in  to  a  millinery 
Btore  to  look  at  some  bonnets.    The  lady  in 


tOU  MUST  HAVE  ONU.  123 

charge  asked  me  if  1  had  come  in  with  the  last 
emigration.  I  told  her  I  had.  ^Has  your  hus- 
band taken  a  second  wife  yet."  I  told  her  he 
had  not.  "Well"  said  she  "he  will  have  to  do  it, 
and  you  had  better  pick  out  one  that  will  suit 
you  and  get  him  to  take  her."  "Oh,  it  is  hard" 
said  she,  "very  hard;  but  no  matter,  we  must 
bear  it,  for  it  is  a  correct  principle  and  there  is 
no  salvation  without  it.  We  had  one,  [meaning 
a  plural  wife,]  but  it  was  so  hard  both  for  my 
husband  and  myself  that  we  gave  her  up  at  the  end 
of  seven  months.  She  had  been  a  good  servant, 
but  as  soon  as  she  became  a  wife,  she  became  in- 
solent, and  told  me  she  had  as  good  a  right  to 
the  house  and  things  as  I  had  and  *you  know,' 
she  said  "that  didn't  suit  very  well. 

"But,"  continued  she,  "I  wish  we  had  kept  her 
and  I  had  borne  everything,  for  we  have  got  to 
have  one,  and  dont  you  think  it  would  be  pleas- 
anter  to  have  one  you  had  known ;  than  a  strang- 
er?" I  told  her  1  thought  it  would  be  if  it  had 
to  be  done,  but  I  hup( d  my  husband  would  not 
take  one.  She  said,  ''He'll  have  to  do  it,  if  you 
and  he  want  to  be  saved." 

Another  case  illustrating  the  proxy  doctrine 
as  it  is  called  came  to  my  knowledge  a  few  days 
ago.  A  Mr.  Cushion  was  engaged  to  be  mar- 
ried tea  Miss  Susan  Mc Bride,  when  he  wat? 


124     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

taken  sick  and  died.  He  had  been  a  great  favor- 
ite of  Bro.  Heber  C.  Kimball  who  was  very 
desirous  that  he  should  be  exalted  and  glorified 
in  the  Celestial  Kingdom.  This  could  not  be 
done  unless  he  had  a  family. 

The  Mormon  doctrine  is  that  unless  a  man 
has  a  wife  or  wives  and  children  he  will  have  to 
attach  himself  to  some  other  man's  family  and 
become  a  servant.  Single  men  and  women  are 
absolutely  worthless  either  in  this  world  or  the 
next  except  as  ministering  angels  to  some  God 
or  Goddess  in  the  future  world.  So,  as  Heber 
was  determined  that  Brother  Cushion  should  be 
somebody  in  the  Celestial  Kingdom,  he  insisted 
that  Miss  Mc  Bride  should  itiarry  the  man  she 
loved,  BY  PROXY,  portraying  to  her  in  vivid  colors 
how  she  could  glorify  and  exalt  him  by  so  do- 
ing and  telling  her  that  she  was  bound  by  her 
promise  to  do  so. 

The  poor  girl,  puzzled  and  troubled,  and  desir- 
ous of  securing  as  much  glory  for  the  man  she  lov- 
ed as  possible  and  of  being  his  for  all  eternity, 
consented.  Heber  now  had  to  cast  about  to  find 
some  "saint"  who  would  thus  sacrifice  himself 
for  his  dead  brother.  Robert  T.  Burton,  Sheriff 
of  Salt  Lake  County,  and  Collector  of  Internal 
Revenue  for  the  United  States  Government  was 
the  man  selected.    He  was  ready   to  undertake 


MARKIED  FOR  TIME.  125 

the  task,  for  as  he  said,  "He  was  willing  to  do 
aay  iLii.g  to  please  Brother  Kimball." 

The  poor  girl  was  sealed  to  Cushion  for  eter- 
nity and  married  to  Burton,  as  his  third  wife,  for 
time.  Thus  disposed  of,  she  was  taken  home 
and  domiciled  with  the  two  Mrs."  Burton.  These 
worthy  matrons  were  not  pleased  with  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  new  wife  and,  claiming  their  rights 
as  the  only  real  wives,  who  had  been  sealed  to 
their  husband  both  for  time  and  eternity,  resolv- 
ed at  once  to  make  it  exceedingly  uncomfortable 
for  the  new  oomer.  This  they  did  eflPectually, 
and  Susan's  life  was  wretched  beyond  expression. 
But  time  passed  and  she  became  the  mother  of 
several  children,  all  of  whom,  of  course,  belong- 
ed to  Bro.  Cushion. 

Susan  was  not  allowed  to  associate  or  e^t  with 
the  family.  S4ie  had  but  one  small  room  in 
which  she  cooked,  ate,  slept  and  spun,  [all  Mor- 
mon women  are  expected  to  make  cloth  for  them- 
selves and  children  at  least,]  while  the  other  two 
had  splendid  chambers  and  parlors, for  Burton  is 
wealthy.  When  she  complained  to  Burton,  he 
said, — ''Susan,  you  know  I  have  only  married 
you  for  time,  and  yoai  must  not  ejtpect  the  sanie 
privileges  I  grant  to  my  other  wives,  who  are 
married  for  eternity,  and  who  will  glorify  me  in 
the  celestial  kingdom.     You  ought  to  be  thank- 


126  ADVENTURES  IN   THE  FAE  WEST. 

fill  for  what  you  do  receive,  and  not  fret  about 
my  other  wives." 

The  first  wife  takes  fulf  control  of  Susan's 
chiWren,  in  contradiction  of  this  complex  and 
unnatural  relationship,  and  the  mother  is  fre- 
quently obliged  to  see  them  severely  punished 
and  suffer  in  silence.  One  day,  the  first  wife's 
boys  and  one  of  Susan's  were  in  the  barn,  doing 
some  mischief  The  first  wife  went  out  and  com- 
manded the  boys  to  come  away.  Her  own  boys 
ran  by,  unharmed,  but  when  Susan's  boy,  the 
youngest  ol  the  lot,  came  out,  she  caught  him, 
beat  him,  threw  him  on  the  ground  and  kicked 
him. 

Heber  C.  Kimball  is  the  man  that  usually  sees 
to  all  these  matrimonial  matters  and  decides 
when  tt  is  time  for  a  man  to  take  moie  wives. 
One  day  he  met  Mr.  Taussig  a  Prussian  brother. 
"Brother  Taussig,"  said  he,  "are  you  doing  well?" 
"Yes,  sir,"  was  the  reply.  Then  you  must  do 
well  for  the  church  too,  said  the  second  Prosi- 
dent:  "How  many  women  have  you?"  "Two, 
Sir."  "That  is  not  enough,  you  must  take  a 
couple  more.  I'll  send  them  to  you.  Do  you 
hear."  '^Yes,  sir,"  said  Bro.T.  On  the  follow- 
ing evening,  when  he  returned  home  he  found 
two  women  sitting  there. 

'^AB  first  wife  said:     "Brother  Taussig,  [all  the 


HARD  TO  MARRY  TWO.  127 

women  call  their  hnsbands,  "brother,"]  "these 
are  Sisters  Pratt."  They  were  two  widows  of 
Parley  P.  Pratt.  A  son  of  P.  P.  P.  was  about 
to  marry  Heber  0.  Kimball's  daughter  and  want- 
ed the  house  these  women  lived  in.  Hinc  illm 
lacrimc6.  One  of  the  ladies,  Sarah,  then  said: 
"Brother  Taussig,  Brother  Kimball  told  us  to 
call  on  you,  and  you  know  what  for."  "Yes  la- 
dies," replied  Brother  Taussig,  "but  it  is  a  \Qry 
hard  task  for  me  to  marry  two."  The  other 
remarked,  "Brother  Kimball  told  us  you  were 
doing  a  very  good  business  and  could  support 
more  women."  Sarah  then  took  up  the  conver- 
sation: "Well,'Brother  Taussig,  I  want  to  get 
married,  anyhow." 

The  good  brother  replied,  "Well,  ladies,  I  will 
see  what  I  can  do;  and  let  yon  know."  The  uext 
day,  Brother  Taussig  visited  the  Bishop  and 
effected  a  compromise.  By  marrjing  Sarah  he 
was  released  from  the  other. 

After  a  while,  Sarah  became  dissatisfied  and 
applied  to  Bro.  Brigham  for  a  divorce.  Bro. 
Taussig  was  summoned  before  the  President, 
who  alone  can  grant  a  divorce.  Brigham  says 
that  the  tom-foolery  of  the  people  in  getting 
divorces  keeps  hi  m  in  pin  money.  Brother  Taus- 
sig made  but  leeble  resistance  to  the  suit  of  the 
gentie  Sarah  and  the  divorce  was  granted,  and 


128     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

the  clerk  called  for  the  $10.  For  not  having 
the  monej  Bro  T.  received  a  good  cursing  and 
Sarah  was  retained  in  the  rojal  pre^^ence,  with 
the  assurance  that  it  was  "no  divorce"  until  the 
moncj^  was  brought  in.  Bro  T.  went  into  the 
street,  borrowed  it,  and  brouglit  it  into  the  of- 
fice,— and  thus  ended  this  disgusting  serio-comic 
conjugal  farce. 

Similar  stories  and  experiences  came  to  me 
almost  every  day  as  my  business  led  me  to  go 
much  among  the  people.  In  my  rounds  I  saw 
young  girls  of  fifteen  married  to  old  men  of 
eighty.  In  one  house-hold  a  motl>er  and  two 
daughters  were  wives  to  one  man.  As  I  enter- 
ed this  home,  the  two  young  women  were  tending 
their  babies  while  their  mother  was  doing  the 
work  about  the  house.  There  seemed  to  be  a 
good  deal  of  comfort  and  even  happiness  in  this 
house-hold,  as  curious  as  it  may  seem 

The  mother  would  be  more  interested  in  the 
family  and  Jess  likely  to  be  jealous  of  her  daugh- 
ters. One  of  our  nearest  neighbors,  a  Mr.  Shar- 
key is  married  to  three  sisters  and  they  Let  on 
tolerably.  The  older  sister  is  no  longer  treated 
as  a  wife  but  must  content  herself  with  assisting 
her  more  fortunate  sisters.  A  man  by  the  name 
of  G.  D.  Watt  is  married  to  his  half  sister  and 
this  case  has  been  often  cited  as  the  worst  phaso 


MARRIED  HIS  HALF  SISTER.  129 

of  polygamy.  Watt  brought  his  half  sister  to 
Salt  Lake  City;  took  her  to  Brigham,  and  wished 
to  be  married  to  her,  for  his  second  wife.  Brig- 
ham  objected,  but  Watt  urged  that  Abraham 
took  his  half  sister  and  '^reckoned  he  had  just  as 
good  a  right  as  Abraham."  The  point  was 
knotty  and  difficult. 

If  Abraham's  example  justified  polygamy, 
then  it  must  equally  justify  this  action.  "God 
blessed  Abraham  although  he  did  it,  and  ought 
to  bless  me  if  I  do  it."  The  girl  happened  to 
be  good  looking  and  Brigham,  to  cut  the  gordian 
knot  he  could  not  untie,  married  her  himself. 
After  a  few  weeks,  Brigham  had  a  "revelation," 
and  sending  for  Bro.  Watt,  told  him  that  he 
(Watt)  was  right  after  all  and  that  it  was  just  as 
lawful  in  him  as  in  Abraham,  and  accordingly, 
G.  D.  accepted  his  half  sister  to  wife,  from  the 
arms  of  Bro.  Brigham. 

It' is  a  constant  source  of  surprise  to  see  how 
these  women  can  be  made  to  assent  to  and  prac- 
tice such  a  horrid  system,  but  when  we  remem- 
ber that  they  are  taught  to  think  that  God  has 
re-established  a  priest-hood  on  this  earth;  that 
this  priest-hood  is  almost  immaculate  and  quite 
infallible,  as  a  priesthood,  we  can  understand 
how  they  can  blindly  believe  and  blindly  obey 
all  they  are  commanded.     Not  only  is  the  pros- 


180     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

pect  of  secnring  their  own  salvation,  but  also 
that  of  their  children  held  out  to  those  misguid- 
ed women. 

The  Mormons  believe  that  the  pure  seed  of 
the  house  of  Jacob  cannot  be  lost  Thej  are 
"children  of  the  covenant  made  to  Abraham." 
They  also  believe  that  the  children  of  those  who^ 
have  been  "sealed  up  to  eternal  life,"  can  never 
be  lost.  The  woman  is  told  that  if  she  marries 
a  young  man  and  he  apostatizes,  both  she  and 
her  children  will  share  in  his  ruin  and  be  forev- 
er lost.  To  marry  an  old,  well-proven,  and 
sealed  man,  will  secure  her  own  salvation  and 
that  of  her  children,  and  if  she  does  not  enjoy 
all  the  temporal  happiness  she  might  with  a 
young  man,  she  will  enjoy  more  of  the  spirit  of 
God  and  receive  eternal  exaltation  in  the  Celestial 
Kingdom.  Then,  too,  these  men  can  save  their 
dead  relatives,  who  have  never  heard  the  gospel, 
i.  e.  Mormonism. 

The  dead  can  hear  the  gospel  in  spirit,  and 
their  friends  in  Zion  can  receive  the  ordinan- 
ces ])y  "proxy."  The  inducements  to  marry  an 
old  Saint  rather  than  a  young  one  are,  salvation 
for  themselves,  their  children  yet  unborn,  and 
their  dead  kindred.  With  the  devotion  of  east- 
ern idolaters,  they  immolate  themselves 'on  the 
shrine  of  their  faith,  and  who  shall  question  the 


IN  THE  TOILS.  181 

purity  of  their  motives,  or  the  sincerity  of  their 
hearts?  It  may  be  asked  "why  do  tliey  not  fly 
when  they  awaken  to  their  error  and  find  that 
they  have  been  duped  and  grossly  deceived." 
Fanaticism  may  be  strong,  but  self-love  is  strong- 
er. Many  would  fly,  but  they  are  mothers,  and 
they  woiTtd  have  to  desert  their  children. 

The  mother's  love  often  overcomes  the  wom- 
an's shame.  These  women  can  be  respected  in 
Utah,  but  not  out  of  it.  Most  of  them  are  poor 
and  could  not  leave  if  they  would.  If  they 
should  attempt  to  leave  with  "Gentiles,"  the 
Mormons  would  follow  them  and  their  own  lives 
and  also  the  lives  of  their  protectors  would  have 
to  pay  the  penalty.  Many  a  Gentile  in  these 
mountain  regions  and  also  many  a  Mormon  saint 
lie  in  the  brush  or  mountain  canyons  with  a  pis- 
tol ball  through  their  skulls,  for  daring  to  inter- 
fere in  Mormon  domestic  arrangments.  How 
can  we  blame  these  poor  women  who  are  thus  en- 
slaved and  chained  as  it  were,  to  the  rock  of 
polygamy.  Bound  by  nature,  that  is,  the  love 
of  their  children,  bound  by-  custom,  that  is,  the 
opinion  of  society,  bound  by  their  religion,  that 
is,  the  fear  of  everlasting  destruction  if  they 
disobey  the  priest-hood,  they  are  in  the  clutches 
of  inexorable  fate. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


A   PROSPECTING  EXPEDITION. 

From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 

One  day  last  week  a  man  came  to  see  Mr. 
Burliiigame,  and  when  I  told  him  he  had  gone 
up  to  Montana  with  Governor  Doty,  he  seemed 
a  good  deal  disappointed.  I  said  if  there  is 
anything  you  would  like  to  say,  I  will  tell  Mr. 
B.  when  he  returns  a-nd  he  will  do  anything  he 
can  for  you.  He  hesitated  a  long  time  and  then 
he  said,  "1  have  something  of  importance  to 
communicate  before  I  leave  the  Territory. 

Judge  Burlingarae  has  been  very  kind  to  my 
people,  (the  Morrisites)  and  I  feel  like  doing 
something  for  him.  Brigham  has  swindled  me 
out  of  twenty  thousand   dollars   and  I   mean  to 


SIX    O^OLOOK  SHARP.  133 

get  even  with  him.  He  has  swora  that  the 
"Gentiles"  shall  not  find  the  gold  and  I  want  to 
show  him  that  he  can't  prevent  it." 

I  was  by  this  time,  thoroughly  interested,  and 
as  he  was  going  away  in  a  few  days,  I  asked  him 
to  tell  rae  where  the  mines  were.  After  a  little 
delay,  he  took  a  paper  and  pencil,  made  a  dia- 
gram and  explained  the  route  and  told  me  if  I 
would  get  some  reliable  parties  to  go,  he  would 
meet  us  at  Big  Cotton  Wood  Creek,  about  seven 
miles  from  the  City.  Mrs.  Keid  and  I  had 
prospected  several  Canyons  and  as  Gen.  Connor 
had  left  word  for  us  to  have  men  and  convey- 
ances whenever  we  called  for  them,  I  sent  word 
for  her  to  be  at  my  house,  at  six  o'clock  sharp, 
on  Thursday  morning,  with  provisions  for  three 
days  and  two  of  the  best  California  miners  in 
Camp. 

Accordingly  just  as  I  was  sipping  my  coffee, 
and  the  hand  was  on  the  hour  and  minute,  she 
drove  up  with  an  outfit  for  prospecting,  of  the 
most  approved  kind.  We  rode  through  Salt 
Lake  City,  much  in  the  style  of  the  middle  ages, 
with  outriders  and  retainers  and  all  the  applian- 
ces for  camp  life. 

When  we  arrived  at  Big  Cotton  Wpod  Creek, 
we  looked  around  but  no  Mr.  W.  was  to  be  seen. 
I  had  feared  as  much  for  I  knew  how  much  these 


134     ABVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

people  dread  Brigham's  vengeance.  Here  was 
a  dilemma  indeed,  bo  I  got  out  my  map  and  told 
Mrs.  Keid  and  Mrs.  McLean  that  I  felt  sure  we 
could  find  the  place  and  that  I  was  willing  to  go 
ahead  if  they  were.  They  consented  and  on  we 
went.  It  was  a  very  hot  day,  and  we  were  cross- 
ing a  sandy  plain,  devoid  of  water,  for  twenty 
miles.  Our  mules  began,  toward- noon,  to  show 
signs  of  giving  out,  and  to  make  matters  worse, 
our  escort  had  taken  another  road,  thinking  that 
we  were  going  to  Little  Cottonwood,  where  we 
had  been  a  few  days  ago. 

Mules  will  lie  down  and  refuse  to  rise  when 
very  thirsty,  and  we  looked  every  moment  to  see 
ours  do  so.  Every  traveler  carries  a  keg  of  wa- 
ter on  these  plains,  so  we  gave  ours  to  our  mules, 
and  coaxed  them  along  as  best  we  could.  Pres- 
ently, and  when  we  least  expected  it,  they  began 
to  prick  up  their  ears  and  to  go  faster.  The  dri- 
ver said,  "We  are  all  right  now,  they  smell 
water.  We  must  be  near  the  Canyon."  And 
sure  enough  we  soon  spied  the  mouth  of  Bing- 
ham Canyon  and  saw  the  Creek  fringed  with 
green,  with  grateful  eyes. 

Our  escort  just  then  rode  up,  and  together  we 
entered  the  Canyon  and  made  our  camp.  The 
old  man  that  was  to  show  us  the  mines,  was  out 
hunting  his  oxen  and  did  not  return  until  late 


WE  FIND  SILVEE.  135 

at  night.  Meanwhile,  Mrs.  McLean,  who  was 
a  first  rate  cook,  prepared  our  dinner  and  the 
prospectors  took  their  pans  and  went  to  work. 
Thej  had  not  been  gone  long,  when  thej  return- 
ed and  reported  that  thej  had  found  "pay  dirt,*' 
and  had  washed  up  several  pans  and  got  "the 
color."  This  greatly  elated  our  party  and  vis- 
ions of  wealth  floated  before  our  wakeful  eyes 
all  night  as  we  fought  musguitoes  and  bed-bugs 
in  the  cabin  of  the  old  Jack  Mormon. 

Some  of  us  became  so  disgusted  that  we  made 
us  a  bed  in  an  old  covered  wagon  which  stood  in 
the  yard.  Morning  came  however,  and  with  it, 
the  problem  of  how  to  get  the  old  man  to  show 
us  the  mines.  Mrs.  Eeid  offered  him  consid- 
erable money,  and  a  share  in  the  mines,  and  told 
him  he  should  be  protected  by  the  military. 
He  said  he  should  risk  his  life  by  going  with 
us,  -'But"  said  he,  "I  don't  care  much  about  liv- 
ing anyway,  so  1*11  go  with  you." 

"We  got  into  the  ambulance,  bright  and  earlj^, 
and  started  up  the  mountain.  After  riding  four 
or  five  miles  the  way  became  too  difficult  for  our 
mules  even,  and  we  proceeded  on  foot.  The 
rocks  gave  evidence  of  rich  mineral  deposits  on 
every  side.  We  would  look  up  at  almost  perpen- 
dicular walls  and  exclaim,  "The  gold  and  silver 
are  here  in  quantities,  why  can  we  not  find  it?* 


186  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

We  finally  arrived  at  a  ledge  of  copper  and  sil- 
ver ore  mixed,  the  copper  largely  predominating. 
This  will  some  day  be  worked  for  its  copper 
alone.  Further  up  we  found  another  ledge  com- 
posed of  lead  and  silver  which  contained  a  large 
per  cent  of  silver.  "We  gathered  up  all  we  could 
carry  and  went  back  in  gay  spirits  to  our  ambu- 
lance. On  having  our  ores  assayed  at  Camp 
Douglas,  they  were  found  to  be  very  rich,  and 
the  General  immediately  made  ready  to  locate 
claims. 

Two  companies  were  formed ;  "The  Yedette 
Copper  and  Silver  Mining  Co."  and  "The  Bing- 
ham Canyon  Silver  Mining  Co." 

Thus  were  discovered  to  the  "Gentiles,"  the 
first  mines  in  Utah;  and  according  to  present  ap- 
pearances, there  are  no  better  mineral  deposits 
in  these  mountains  than  "The  Bingham  Canyon 
Mines." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


MOEMON  MYSTERIES. 
As  marriage  is  a  religious  ceremony  more  than 
a  civil  institution,  the  Mormons  insist  on  having 
it  performed  by  an  ecclesiastical  difijnitary.  Civ 
il  marriages  are  mere  contracts  sanctioned  by 
law,  but  dissoluble  at  the  Option  of  the  con- 
tracting parties.  They  believe  that  unless  mar- 
ried, the  saved  will  not  enjoy  any  "glory"  in 
the  next  world ;  and  if  not  married  on  earth, 
cannot    be  married   afterwai'd,    therefore  they 

**MABBT  FOB  ETEENITT." 

These  marriages  are  always  performed  in  their 
sacred  and  secret  Temple,  in  a  singular  manner, 
and  are  called  "Sealinffs." 


138  ADVENT  CJRES  IN   THE  EAE   WEST. 

The  Mormons  constantly  inveigh  against  the 
Hcentiousness  of  the  ^'Gentiles,"  and  extol  po- 
lygamy as  the  cure  for  this  and  all  kindred  evils, 
but,  in  fact,  these  sealing  ordinances  are  only  a 
cloak  to  cover  the  grossest  licentiousness.  A 
woman  comes  to  Salt  Lake  who  cares  little  or 
nothing  for  her  husband.  Some  of  the  ^'Heads'* 
take  a  fancy  to  her  and  want  to  marry  her.  The 
position  of  the  husband  is  such  that  it  would  be 
impossible  to  get  a  divorce,  so  she  is  sealed  to 
her  paramour  and  still  remains  with  her  hus- 
band, the  Mormons  claiming  all  the  children  by 
her  first  husband,  to  belong  to  the  sealed  one  in 
the  Celestial  Kingdom.  Hence,  no  man  is  cer- 
tain of  his  dearest  wife's  virtue,  or  his  warmest 
friend's  honor.  Suspicion  and  jealousy,  are  the 
inevitable  result.  It  is  very  common  for  a  wom- 
an to  be  married  to  one  man, for  time  and  sealed 
to  another  for  eternity. 

They  also  believe  in  salvation  for  their  dead 
relatives.  Hundreds  of  devout  and  fanatically 
sincere  people  are  immersed  in  behalf  of  their 
dead  relatives,  males  for  men,  and  females  for 
women.  But  their  salvation  must  be  consum- 
mated in  the  same  manner  as  that  of  the  living. 
"They  will  be  nowhere,"  says  Kimball,  "unless 
they  have  wives;"  and  these  immersed  people 
are  therefore  maeeied  for  their  dead.    And  as 


THE  ENDOWMENT.  139 

the  glory  of  the  dead,  as  well  as  the  living,  de- 
pends on  the  size  of  their  families,  these  accom- 
modating **proxies",  also  eaise  childben    foe 

THETE  DEAD. 

That  these  practices  should  be  indulged  in, 
under  the  sanction  of  religion,  is  infamous.  It 
is  a  bitter  satire  on  human  purity  and  progress, 
a  disgusting  and  palpable  proof  of  human  de- 
pravity. 

Much  has  been  said  of  the  Mormon  Endow- 
ment, and  oaths  are  administered  obliging  the 
persons  taking  them  to  undergo  a  violent  and 
cruel  death  if  they  reveal  the  "Mystery." 

The  following  drama  will  give  a  very  correct 
idea  of  this  unique  and  significant  allegory. 
THE  ENDOWMENT. 
Dramatis    Persona. 

Eloheim,  or  Head  Ood,  Brigham  Young. 

Jehovah,  Heber  C.  Kimball. 

Jesus,  Daniel  H.  Wells. 

Michael,  ct  Adam^  W.  C.  Staines. 

Sata:s,  W.  W.  Piielps. 

Apostle  Peter,  Orson  Pratt. 

Apostle  James,  John  Taylor. 

Apostle  John,  Erastus  Snow. 

Washer,  Dr.  Sprague. 

Clerk,  David  O.  Calder. 

Eve,  Miss  Eliza  R.  Snow. 

Timothy  Broadbrim,  a  Quaker,  Wilford  Woodruff. 

Deacon  Smith,  a  Methodist,  Orson  Hyde. 


140     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Parson  Peabod y,  a  Presbyterian,  Franklin  D .  Richards. 
Elder  Smooth-Tongue,  a  Baptist,  Phineas  S.  Yoimg. 
Father  Boniface,  a  Catholic,  George  A.  Smith. 
Brother  and  Sister  Jones, 
Brother  and  Sister  White, 
Sister  Mary  Brown,  to  be  sealed 
to  Brother  White, 
Seneral  otJier  candidates. 

ACT  1.    Scene  1. 

[Enter  Candidates. 

Clerk.  Good-morning,  brethren  and  sisters. 
Be  seated.  Brother  White,  please  state  the  time 
and  place  of  your  birth,  date  of  your  marriage, 
and  the  time  when  you  were  baptized  into  the 
church. 

Beg.  W.  I  was  born  JS"ovember  3d,  1801,  in 
the  town  of  Portsmouth,  in  New  Hampshire. 
I  was  married  January  1st,  1824,  and  was  bap- 
tised into  the  church  April  1st,  1860. 

Clerk.  Have  you  paid  your  tithing  punctu- 
ally? If  so,  produce  your  receipts.  [These  are 
read,  and  handed  back.]  That  is  sufficient.  You 
are  entitled  to  receive  your  endowments. 

Sister  White,  will  you  state  when  and  where 
you  were  born,  and  when  you  became  a  member 
of  the  church? 

Sister  W.  I  was  born  September  18th,  1815, 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church  in  1852. 


WASHING  AND  ANOINTING.  141 

Cleek.  Sister  Mary  Brown,  please  stale  when 
and  where  yon  were  born,  and  when  you  became 
a  member  of  the  church. 

Sister  Maey.  I  was  born  June  20th,  1849, 
in  Great  Salt  Lake  City,  and  was  baptized  into 
the  church  in  1860. 

[The  Clerk  propounds  the  same  questions  to 
all  the  candidates,  and  enters  their  answers  in 
the  record.] 

Clerk.  You  will  now  proceed  to  the  wash- 
ing-room, the  brethren  on  the  right,  and  the  sis- 
ters on  the  left. 

Apostle  Peter.  You  will  remove  your  shoes, 
that  the  dust  of  earth  may  not  pollute  the  holy 
ground  on  which  you  are  about  to  tread. 

[The  candidates  are  then  washed  in  tepid  wa- 
ter, and  each  member  blessed  with  a  blessing 
peculiar  to  each.  They  are  then  pronounced 
clean  from  the  blood  of  this  generation,  and  a 
new  name  is  given  to  each  by  the  Apostle  Peter. 
They  then  return  to  the  waiting-room,  where 
the  brethren  are  anointed  with  oil,  the  sisters  re- 
ceiving their  anointing  in  their  own  washing- 
room. 

This  ceremony  consists  of  pouring  olive-oil 
upon  the  head  of  each,  well  rubbed  into  the  hair, 
nose,  eyes  and  mouth,  and  allowed  to  run  down 
over  the  person.     It  is  accompanied  by  a  bless- 


142     ADVBN-TUEES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

ing,  similar  to  that  received  at  the  washing. 
Brain  to  be  strong,  ears  to  be  quick  to  hear  the 
words  of  God's  servants,  eyes  to  be  sharp  to  per- 
ceive, and  feet  to  be  swift  to  run  in  the  ways  of 
righteousness.  This  is  the  anointing  adminis- 
tered preparatory  to  being  ordained  a  "King  and 
Priest  unto  God  and  the  Lamb." 

Thus  greased  and  blessed,  the  "garments"  are 
put  on.  A  dress  of  muslin  or  linen  is  worn  next 
to  the  skin,  reaching  from  the  neck  to  the  ankles 
and  wrists,  and  in  shape  like  a  little  child's  sleep- 
ing garment.  Over  this  a  shirt,  then  a  robe, 
made  of  fine  linen,  crossing  and  gathered  up  in 
plaits  on  one  shoulder,  reaching  to  the  ground 
before  and  behind,  and  tied  around  the  waist. 
Over  this  is  fastened  a  small,  square  apron,  sim- 
ilar in  size  and  shape  to  a  masonic  apron,  made 
of  white  linen  or  silk,  with  imitation  of  fig  leaves 
painted  or  worked  upon  it.  A  cap  made  from  a 
square  yard  of  linen,  and  gathered  into  a  band 
to  fit  the  head,  and  white  linen  or  cotton  shoes, 
complete  the  dress  of  the  candidates.] 

SCENE  11.    Creation. 

Eloheim  seated  upon  his  Throne. 


sr  Jehovah, Jesus,  and  Michael. 
Eloheim.     *'  Ye  powers  of  Heaven !"     This  day 
hath  Satan,  our  rebellious  foe,  been  vanquished. 


THE  EAETH  OBEATED.  148 

Lest  he  again  presumptuous  rise,  let  ns  create 
new  worlds,  and  people  them  with  beings  who 
by  slow  degrees  shall  rise  and  fill  the  place  of 
those  by  him  deceived.  Go  forth,  ye  heavenly 
messengers;  examine  well  the  boundless  realms 
of  space,  and  bring  report  from  thence  back  to 
the  Eternal  Throne. 

Jehovah,  Jesus,  and  Michael,  [all].  Eternal 
Father!  Great  Eloheim,  Maker  and  King  of 
the  celestial  worlds.  Joyful  we  go,  thy  mandates 
to  fulfil. 

[Exeunt  Jehovah,  Jesus,  and  Michael. 

Eloheim.  Far  into  chaos  proudly  ride  my 
messengers.  Winds  bear  them  onward,  o'er  the 
deep  profound. 

[Be-enter  Jehovah,  Jesus,  and  Michael. 

Jehovah,  Jesus,  and  Michael;  [all].  Al- 
mighty Ruler.  The  way  is  clear.  Send  forth 
thy  Word  alone,  and  worlds  will  rise,  and  circle 
into  space,  obedient  to  thy  call. 

Elo.  "Silence,  ye  troubled  waves  I  your  dis- 
cord end.  Thus  far  extend,  thus  far  thy  bounds. 
This  be  thy  circumference,  O  world!" 

Jeh.  Behold  the  Earth.  "Matter  unformed 
and  void;  darkness  profound  covers  the  abyss." 

Mich.  But  see,  "the  Spirit  of  God  outspread, 
and  vital  virtue  infused,  and  vital  warmth 
throughout  the  fluid  mass.     Like  things  to  like  I 


144     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

The  rest  to   several  place  disparted."    And  in 
the  air,  "the  Earth,  self-balanced,  on  her  center 


Elo.     "Let  there  be  light." 

Jesus.  "Hail!  Holy  light.  Offspring  of 
Heaven,  first  born." 

Elo.  The  light  is  good.  Let  darkness  flee 
into  the  shades  of  night,  and  light  make  up  the 
day. 

Mich.  Hark  1  "the  celestial  choirs,  when  ori- 
ent iight,  exhaling  first  from  darkness,  they  be- 
hold,— birthday  of  Heaven  and  Earth;  with  joy 
and  shout,  tlie  hollow,  universal  orb  they  fill." 

Elo.  "Let  there  be  a  firmament  amid  the  wa- 
ters, and  let  it  divide  the  waters  from  the  wa- 
ters." 

Jeh.  "Behold  the  firmament, — expanse  of 
liquid,  pure,  transparent,  elemental  air,  diffused 
in  circuit  to  the  uttermost  convex;  partition 
firm  and  sure,  the  waters  underneath  from  those 
above  dividing." 

Jesus.  The  water  still  doth  compass  all  the 
Earth,  moulding  all  the  plastic  mass,  and  doth 
implant,  within  her  genial  bseast,  the  seeds  of 
various  life. 

Elo.  "Be  gathered,  now,  ye  waters  under 
Heaven,  into  one  place  and  let  dry  land  appear." 
Land,  free  Irom  your  prison-house,  arise,  and  be 


THE  BABTH  CREATED.  145 

called  Earth.  Ye  waters, — seas.  Now,  "let  the 
Earth  put  forth  the  verdant  grass,  herb  yielding 
seed,  and  fruit-tree  yielding  fruit  after  her  kind, 
whose  seed  is  in  herself,  upon  the  Earth." 

Mich.  Oh,  sight  sublime  I  The  Earth,  till 
now,  barren  and  fruitless  was;  "her  universal 
face"  now  clothed  in  "pleasant  green."  List- 
en, ye  Gods!  The  morning  stars,  which  in  the 
vast  expanse  of  Heaven,  circle  their  rounds,  to- 
gether sing.  The  sons  of  God,  swift-winged 
aogels,  shout  for  joy. 

Elo.  "Let  there  be  lights,  high  in  the  ex- 
panse of  Heaven,  to  divide  the  day  from  the 
night;  and  let  them  be  for  signs,  for  seasons  and 
for  days,  and  circling  years;  and  let  them  be  for 
lights,  as  I  ordain  their  ofl&ce,  in  the  firmament 
of  Heaven,  to  give  light  on  the  Earth."  Two 
great  lights, — great  for  their  use  to  man, — the 
g)-eater  to  have  rule  by  day,  the  less  by  night; 
the  stars  I  also  set  in  the  high  firmament,  to  il- 
luminate the  Earth,  and  rule  the  day  in  their 
vicissitude,  and  rule  the  night,  and  light  from 
darkness  to  divide." 

Jeh.  Behold,  "the  thousand,  thousand  stars, 
that  now  appear,  spangling  the  hemisphere,"  the 
luminaries  bright,  that  rise  and  set,  and  crown 
the  glory  of  the  fourth  new  day. 

Elo.    "Let  the  waters  generate  reptile,  with 


146     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

spawn  abundant;  living  son! ;  and  let  fowl  fly 
above  the  Earth,  with  wings  displayed,  on  the 
open  firmament  of  Heaven,  and  the  great  whales, 
and  each  soul  living,  each  that  creeps,  and  in  the 
waters  generate,  and  each  bird  of  its  kind, — let 
each  be  blessed;"  "be  fruitful,  multiply,  and  in 
the  seas  and  lakes,  and  running  streams,  the  wa- 
ters fill:    and  let  the  fowl  be  multiplied." 

Jesus.  Let  Heaven  rejoice,  let  Earth  be  glad, 
and  hail  the  dawning  of  the  fifth  new  day. 

Elo.  This  is  the  sixth  and  last  morn  of  cre- 
ation. Let  every  creature  forth,  from  his  genial 
mother,  cattle  and  creeping  thing,  and  beast  of 
earth,  each  of  his  kind.  All,  all  is  good,  and 
pleasing  in  my  sight. 

Jesus.  '*Now  Heaven  in  all  her  glory  shines. 
Earth,  in  her  rich  attire,  consummate,  lovely, 
smiles;  air,  water,  earth,  fowl,  fish  and  beast  are 
here,  and  yet  there  wants  the  master  work  of  all 
yet  done;  a  creature  endued  with  reason,  which 
erect  may  stand,  and  self-acknowledged,  govern 
all  the  rest." 

Elo.  "Let  ns  make  man,  in  our  own  image, 
man  in  our  similitude,  and  let  them  rule  over 
the  fish  and  fowl  of  sea  and  air,  beast  of  the 
field,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  every  creeping 
thing,  that  creeps  the  ground."  Thou  art  crea- 
ted male  and  female,  in  the  form  and  likeness  of 


THE  GARDEN  OF  EDEN.  147 

the  Gods.  Go  -forth,  be  blessed;  "be  fruitful, 
multiply,  and  fill  the  earth,  subdue  it,  and 
throughout  dominion  hold"  over  all,  all  else  that 
breathes  upon  its  bosom.  Now  all  is  finished, 
all  complete  and  perfect.  Immortal  Gods,  let 
us  to  our  high  seat  ascend,  that  from  our  lofty 
throne  our  perfect  works  we  may  behold. 

[To  represent  the  creation  of  man,  Jehovah, 
Jesus,  and  Michael  stroke  each  candidate  separ- 
ately, pretending  to  form ;  and  by  blowing  into 
their  faces,  pretend  to  vivify  them.  They  are 
then  supposed  to  be  as  Adam,  newly  made,  and 
perfectly  ductile  in  the  hands  of  their  makers. 
A  deep  sleep  then  falls  upon  the  new  Adam, 
and  ribs  are  extracted,  out  of  which,  in  another 
apartment,  their  wives  are  formed.  They  are 
then  commanded  to  awake,  and  their  wives  are 
introduced  to  them;  after  which  they  file  by 
twos  into  the  garden. 

The  four  sides  of  this  room  are  painted  in  im- 
itation of  trees,  flowers,  birds,  wild  beasts,  etc. 
The  ceiliijg  is  painted  blue,  dotted  over  with 
golden  stars.  In  the  center  of  it  is  the  sun,  a 
little  further  on  the  moon,  and  all  around  are 
the  stars.  In  each  corner  is  a  Maeonic  em- 
blem. In  one  corner  is  a  compass,  in  another 
the  square,  the  remaining  two  are  the  level  and 
the  plumb.    On  the  east  side  of  the  room,  next 


148  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

the  door  is  a  painted  apple  tree,  and  in  the 
northeast  part  of  the  room,  is  a  small  wooden 
allar.] 

SCENE  111.    Gakdbn  of  Eden. 

[Enter  Adam  and  Eve,  and  Endowees. 

Eve.  "Well  may  we  labor,  still  to  dress  this 
garden,— still  to  tend  plant,  herb  and  flower,  our 
pleasant  task  enjoined."  "Let  us  divide  our  la- 
bors," each  where  seemeth  good ;  and  thus,  as 
night  draws  on,   our  task  will   be  accomplished. 

4^DAM.  "Sole  Eve,  associate  sole,  to  me  be- 
yond compare,  above  all  living  creatures  dear! 
A  doubt  possesses  me,  lest  harm  befall  thee, 
severed  from  me;  for  thou  knowest  what  hath 
'  been  warned  us,  what  malicious  foe  envies  our 
happiness." 

Eve.  "Offspring  of  Heaven,  and  all  Earth's 
Lord!  T^hat  such  an  enemy  we  have,  who  seeks 
our  ruin,  both  by  thee  informed,  and  from  the 
parting  angel  overhead ;  but  that  thou  shouldst 
my  firmness  therefore  doubt,  to  God  or  thee,  be- 
cause we  have  a  foe  may  tempt  it,  I  expected 
not  to  hear." 

Adam.  "Daughter  of  God  and  man,  immor- 
tal Eve, — for  such  thou  art;  from  sin  and  blame 
entire;  I,  from  the  influence  of  thy  looks,  re- 
ceive access  in  every  virtue.  '  Why  shouldst  not 
thou  like  sense  within  thee  feel  when  I  am  pres- 


SATAN   AND  EVE.  149 

ent,  and  thy  trial  choose  with  me, — best  witness 
of  thy  virtue  tried." 

Eve.  "If  this  be  our  condition,  thus  to  dwell 
in  narrow  circuit,  straitened  by  a  foe,  how  are 
we  happy  still,  in  fear  of  harm?" 

Adam.  "O  woman,  best  are  all  things  as  the 
will  of  God  ordains  them;  therefore  go;  for  thy 
stay,  not  free,  absents  thee  more." 

Eve.  "With  thy  permission  then,  and  thus 
forewarned,"  I  go. 

[Enter  Satan,  in  the  form  of  a  serpent,  half 
man,  half  snake.  He  discovers  Eve  in  a  bower 
of  roses,  and  watches  her  at  a  distance.] 

Satan.  "Thoughts,  whither  have  ye  led  me  ? — 
what  hither  brought  us?  Hate,  not  love,  but 
all  pleasure  to  destroy."  [He  approaches  Eve.] 
"Wonder  not,  sovran  mistress,  fairest  resem- 
blance of  thy  Maker  fair,  at  my  appearance,  half 
man,  half  beast,  but  approach  and  view  this 
goodly  tree,  the  fruit  of  which  such  wonders 
work." 

-Eve.  "Serpent,  we  might  have  spared  our 
coming  hither,"  for  "of  this  tree  we  may  not 
taste  or  touch;  thus  hath  our  God  commanded." 

Satan.  Indeed!  Hath  God  tlien  said,  that 
of  the  fruit  of  all  these  garden  trees  ye  shall 
not  eat,  yet  lords  declared  of  all  in  earth  or 
air! 


150    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Eve.  "Of  the  fruit  of  each  tree  in  the  gar- 
den we  may  eat,  but  of  the  fruit  of  tliis  fair  tree, 
amidst  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  'Ye  shall  not 
eat  thereof,  nor  shall  ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die.' '' 

Satan.  *'0  sacred,  wise,  and  wisdom-giving 
plant;  mother  of  science!  Now  I  feel  thy  pow- 
er within  me  clear,  not  only  to  discern  things  in 
their  causes,  but  to  trace  the  ways  of  highest  a- 
gents,  deemed  however  wise.  Queen  of  this 
universe!  Do  not  believe  these  rigid  threats  of 
death ; — ye  shall  not  die.  Your  tyrant  ruler 
knows  full  well,  that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  ye 
shall  be  as  Gods,  and  good  from  evil  know. 
"Goddess  humane,  reach  then,  and  freely  taste." 

[Satan  plucks  the  fruit  and  presents  it.  Eve 
receives  it,  and  after  considerable  hesitation, 
tastes,  and  finally  eats  it.  Adam  soon  after  en- 
ters.] 

Eve.  "Hast  thou  not  wondered  at  my  stay  ? 
Thee  have  I  missed;"  for  I  have  tasted  of  the 
tree  to  us  forbidden,  and  such  delight  till  now 
have  never  felt.  Taste  thou,  [offers  him  the 
fruit,]  and  be  a  God. 

[Adam  stands  amazed  and  sorrowful,  drop- 
ping a  garland  from  his  hand.] 

Adam.  "O  fairest  of  Creation!  Some  cursed 
fraud  of  enemy  hath  beguiled  thee,  and  me  with 
thee  hath  ruined;  for  with  thee  certain  ,my  reso- 


THE  SERPENT   CURSED.  151 

hition  is  to  die."  [He  eats.]  Oh,  frnit  delicious, 
fit  indeed  for  Gods.  From  us  witlibeld,  lest  be- 
ing Gods,  we  cease  to  obey  our  tyrant  Lord. 

[They  soon  begin  to  see  their  true  conditjon. 
They  reproach  each  other.  They  discover  their 
nakedness,  make  aprons  of  fig-leaves,  and  wear 
them.  The  voice  of  Eloheim  is  heard  in  anoth- 
er part  of  the  garden.] 

Elo.  "Adam,  where  art  thou?  Why  hast 
thou  fled  and  hid  thyself?  What  hast  thou 
doner 

Adam!  O  Lord,  my  Maker  and  Preserver  1 
Thy  voice  I  heard,  when  thou  didst  walk  amid 
the  trees,  but  being  naked,  I  did  fear  to  see  thy 
face.  Confusion  dire  and  shame  filled  all  my 
soul. 

Elo.  "Who  told  thee  thou  wast  naked  ?  Hast 
thou  then  eaten  of  that  tree,  to  thee  forbidden  ?" 

Adam.  The  woman  whom  thou  gavest  me 
did  give  this  fruit  unto  my  lips;  and  I  did  eat. 

Elo.  O  woman,  fair  but  frail.  Why  hast 
thou  done  this  deed  of  sin? 

Eve.  "The  serpent  me  beguiled,  and  I  did 
eat." 

[The  serpent,  abashed  retires  to  a  secluded 
place.] 

Elo.  Come  forth  thou  monster  of  iniquity, 
and  receive  thy  just  reward. 


152     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Satan,  [aside]  "Now  let  the  mountrtins  on 
me  fall,  rather  than  brave  His  dire  displeasure." 

Elo.  "Because  thou  hast  done  this,  thou  art 
accursed  above  all  cattle,  each  beast  of  the  field. 
Upon  thy  belly  grovelling  thou  shalt  go,  and 
dust  thou  shalt  eat,  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  Be- 
tween thee  and  the  woman  1  will  put  enmity 
and  between  thine  and  her  seed:  her  seed  shall 
bruise  thy  head,  thou  bruise  his  heel."  And 
thou,  O  Eve,  thy  sorrow  I  will  greatly  multiply 
by  thy  conception:  children  thou  shalt  bring  in 
sorrow  forth,  and  to  thy  husband's  will  thine 
shall  submit;  he  over  thee  shall  rule."  And 
thou,  O  Adam,  "because  thou  hast  hearkened  to 
the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  eaten  of  the  tree  con- 
cerning which  I  charged  thee,  saying,  'Thou 
shalt  not  eat  thereof;'  cursed  is  the  ground  for 
thy  sake;  thou  in  sorrow  shalt  eat  thereof  all 
the  days  of  thy  life;  thorns  also  and  thistles  it 
shalt  bring  thee  forth  unhid;  and  thou  shalt  eat 
the  herb  of  the  field;  in  the  sweat  of  thy  face 
shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto  the 
ground;  for  thou  out  of  the  ground  wast  taken; 
know  thy  birth;  for  dust  thou  art,  and  shalt  to 
dust  return." 

Elo.  [To  Jehovah,  Jesus,  and  Michael.]  "Be- 
hold the  man  is  now  become  as  one  of  us,  know- 
ing good  from  evil;  and  now,  lest  he  in  some 


eve's  lament.  153 

unguarded  hour  put  forth  his  hand,  take  of  the 
tree  of  life,  and  live  forever,  we  must  forth  from 
hence  expel  him."  We  will  place  from  Eden 
eastward  cherubims,  and  flaming  sword,  turning 
which  way  soever  he  may  attempt  an  entrance. 

Adam.  "O  miserable  of  happy !  Is  this  the 
end  of  this  new,  glorious  world? — and  me,  so 
late  the  glory  of  that  glory  ?  Accursed  of  bless- 
ed, hide  me  from  the  face  of  God,  whom  to  be- 
hold was  once  my  height  of  happiness." 

Eve.  "O  unexpected  stroke,  worse  than  of 
death!  Must  1  thus  leave  thee,  Paradise? — thus 
leave  thee  native  soil, — these  happy  walks  and 
shades,  fit  haunt  of  Gods,  where  I  had  hoped  to 
spend,  quiet  though  sad,  the  respite  of  that  day 
that  must  be  mortal  to  us  both?  O  flowers!  that 
never  will  in  other  climate  grow,  my  earliest 
visitation  and  my  last  at  even,  which  I  bred  up 
with  tender  hand,'  from  the  first  opening  bud, 
and  gave  ye  names!  Who  now  shall  rear  ye  to 
the  sun,  or  rank  your  tribes,  and  water  from  the 
ambrosial  fount?  Thee,  lastly,  nuptial  bower! 
by  me  adorned  with  what  to  sight  or  smell  was 
sweet!  From  thee,  how  shall  I  part,  and  whith- 
er wander  down  into  a  world,  to  this  obscure 
and  w^d'i  How  shall  we  breathe  in  other  air, 
less  pure,  accustomed  to  immortal  fruits?" 

Elo.    O  man,  thy  cries  of  penitence  and  woe 


154     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

have  reached  my  ears.  I  will  a  plan  unfold, 
obedience  to  which,  rendered  with  deep  humili- 
ty, shall  by  degrees  redeem  and  bring  you  back 
to  Heaven. 

My  holy  priesthood  I  henceforth  establish  up- 
on Earth.  To  those  endowed  with  that  high 
calling,  as  unto  me,  shalt  thou  in  reverence  bow. 
Their  power  supreme,  commands  indisputable, 
in  my  stead,  I  appoint  them  unto  you.  They 
are  to  act  henceforth,  as  I  myself. 

[Here  oaths  of  inviolable  secrecy,  with  the 
penalty  of  throat-cutting,  are  administered  to 
the  awe-stricken  and  intimidated  neophytes. 
They  are  sworn  to  render  implicit  obedience  to 
the  priesthood,  and  to  depend  upon  them  for  ev- 
erything; especially  not  to  touch  any  woman 
unless  given  through  the  priesthood. 

A  sign,  a  grip,  and  a  key-  word  are  given  to 
the  endowees,  and  the  First  Deqeee  of  the  Aae- 
oNic  Peiesthood  is  conferred.] 

Elo.  You  are  now  endowed  with  one  law  of 
purity,  one  key  of  truth,  and  one  power  of  priest- 
hood. Go  forth  into  the  world,  ye  fallen  ones, 
and  seek  for  truth.  Obey  the  voice  of  God  and 
his  holy  priesthood,  and  I  will  send  to  Earth  a 
Savior,  that  through  faith  and  obedience  you 
shall  again  inherit  your  lost  estate,  and  again 
enjoy  the  ambrosial  fruits  iu  the  celestial  king- 


CHARITY  AND  BRIMSTONE.  155 

dom  of  God. 

[Exeunt  all. 
SCENE  IV.    The  World. 
]Enter  Adam,  Eve,  Endowees,  and  Sectarians. 

Timothy  Broadbrim.  I  feel  the  movement  of 
the  Spirit  to  speak  unto  thee.  Thou  knowest 
that  the  world  is  lost  in  sin  and  wickedness. 
But  ye  should  "resist  not  evil,"  but  "overcome 
evil  witli  good."  "If  a  man  take  away  thy  cloak, 
give  him  thy  coat  also."  Eaise  not  thy  hand  to 
harm  a  fellow-creature.  "Charity  suffereth  long 
and  is  kind!"  See  that  no  brother  be  in  want; 
look  ye  after  the  widow  and  the  fatherless. 

Deacon  Smith.  Brethren  and  Sisters, — I  rise 
to  address  you  a  few  words,  founded  upon  the 
following  passage  of  Scripture: — "And  there 
shall  be  weeping  and  wailing,  and  gnashing  of 
teeth."  Oh,  this  is  a  fearful  doom.  Oh,  ye 
sinners,  hear.  There  is  a  lake  which  burns  with 
fire  and  brimstone;  you  are  on  the  very  brink; 
do  you  not  see  thousands  of  the  damned  welter- 
ing in  its  burning  waves?  You  are,  as  it  were, 
on  a  greased  plank,  sliding,  and  sliding,  as  swift 
as  the  wheels  of  time  can  roll,  down  to  this  aw- 
ful gulf.  [Sisters  begin  to  shriek  and  faint.] 
Flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.;  fly  to  Jesus; 
come  to  the  mourners'  bench;  cry  mightily  to 
God  for  help.    He  alone  can  save  you.    Come, 


156  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

come,  come  to  Jesus.     Brethren    and    sisters, 
sing,— 

"Where  shall  the  guilty  soul  find  rest?"  etc. 

Parson  Peabodt  [speaking  through  his  nose.] 
My  dear  hearers,  this  is  a  fallen  world.  We  are 
all  in  the  gall  of  bitterness,  and  in  the  bond  of 
iniquity.  Satan,  the  great  enemy  of  mankind, 
is  ever  seeking  our  destruction.  Let  us  close 
oar  hearts  against  his  wiles,  and  come  to  Jesus, 
and  if  we  are  of  the  elect,  foreordained  from  be- 
fore the  creation  of  the  world,  we  shall  be  saved ; 
and  if  not,  we  shall  be  lost.  We  can  do  nothing 
of  ourselves.  We  are  in  the  hands  of  a  just  and 
wise  God,  who  doeth  all  things  well. 

In  the  language  of  the  divine  poet,— 

'*If  you  can,  if  you  can't; 
If  you  will,  if  you  won't; 
You'll  be  damned  if  you  do, 
You'll  be  damned  if  you  don't." 
Let  the  brethren   remember   their  covenants, 
and   let  them  bring  their  offspring  to  the  altar, 
and  there  consecrate  them  to  God,   through  the 
ordinance  of  sprinkling;  and  if  they  are  to  be 
saved,   they  will   be  saved.     Otherwise,   though 
not  a  span  long,  they  will  go  down    to  the  bot- 
tomless pit. 

Elder  Longfaoe.  Brethren, — The  subject  of 
my  discourse  will  be  found  in  the  following  text: 
"Whom  he  did  predestinate, "&c. 


THE   HOLY  FATHER,  157 

We  learn  from  this, — 1st,  That  we  are  sinners. 
2d,  We  need  a  Saviour.  3d,  That  we  must  be 
baptized  by  immersion.  4th,  That  we  should 
exclude  from  the  communion-table  all  such  as 
are  not  immersed.  5th,  That  many  are  called, 
but  few  chosen.  6th,  That  those  who  are  cho- 
sen will  be  saved,  without  their  own  action  in 
the  matter.  7th,  That  those  who  are  not  chosen 
will  be  damned,  no  matter  what  they  do,  in  and 
of  their  own  strength;  and  lastly,  in  order  to 
have  the  least  opportunity  to  be  saved,  you  must 
join  the  Baptist  Church. 

The  Lord  grant  that  many  may  embrace  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  unite  witli 
"our  church,"  and  be  saved.  The  brethren  will 
sing,— 

"O,  when  shall  we  see  Jesus,"  &c., 

Father  Boniface  [with  pages,  robes,  candles^ 
&c.].  Te  Deum  laudamus.  [They  sing.]-  O 
Divine  Queen  of  the  skies ,  Holy  Mother  of  God, 
to  Thee  we  lift  up  our  voices.  Grant  us  Thy  di- 
vine intercession  with  Thy  dear  Son,  that  we, 
through  His  precious  blood,  may  be  made  clean. 
Bless  Thy  believing  children,  make  them  faithful 
to  their  Holy  Father  the  Pope,  diligent  in  count- 
ing their  beads,  and  saying  their  matins  and 
vespers.  O  Holy  Mother,  keep  them  from  all 
sin ;  especially  grant  them  grace  to  eat  no  meat 


158     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

on  Friday,  and  we  will  ever  adore  and  bless  Tliee, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Let  the  choir  sing  Ave  Maria.    Benedidte. 

[Enter  Satan. 

Satan.  Good- morning,  brethren.  I  love  you 
all;  you  are  my  friends.  I  am  gratified  to  find 
you  so  faithful  in  assisting  me  to  build  up  my 
kingdom.  Eest  assured  you  shall  be  rewarded. 
You  shall  be  kings  and  princes  when  I  succeed 
in  setting  up  my  throne  upon  the  Earth. 

Enter  Apostles  Peteb  James  and  John. 
Peteb.     Why  dost  thou  tempt   the  children  of 
men,  and  lie  in  wait  to  deceive  them? 

Satan.  "Let  me  alone.  What  have  1  J;o  do 
wiih  thee,"  thou  follower  of  Jesus?  I  know 
thou  hast  the  holy  priesthood  of  God, — 

Peter,  James,  and  John,  [all.]  And  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  the  holy 
priesthood,  we  command  you  to  depart  from 
hence. 

[The  Devil  foams,  hisses j  and  rushes  out,  chas- 
ed by  the  Apostle  Peter.] 

James.  My  children,  hearken  now  unto  my 
voice.  When  in  these  last  days  God  saw  the 
lost  condition  of  mankind,  his  heart  was  moved 
with  pity,  and  He  sent  with  me  Peter  and  John, 
and  commanded  us,  saying,  '^Go  ye  to  Earth, 
and  seek  me  a  good  man  of  the  lineage  of  Jo- 


THE  NEW   PROPHET.  159 

seph,  who  was  carried  away  into  Egypt,  and  of 
the  lineage  of  the  prophets,  even  Joseph  Smith." 
Kestore  to  him  the  lost  priesthood.  Bestow  up. 
on  him  the  keys  of  power;  make  him  Prophet, 
Seer,  and  E-evelator,  and  let  him  re-establish  my 
church  upon  the  Earth."  Behold,  this  was  done, 
and  the  same  power  and  authority  has  now  de- 
scended from  Josepli  to  Brigham.  .Hear  ye  him, 
the  representative  of  God  on  Earth.  Him  rev- 
erence and  obey,  and  ye  shall  advance  toward 
the  kingdom  of  Heaven. 

[An  oath,  penalty,  the  heart  to  be  plucked  out, 
with  agonizing  details,  is  administered.  The  ut- 
most secrecy  is  impressed,  and  the  Second  De- 
gree OF  THE  Aakonic  Pkiesthood  is  conferred, 
with  signs,  grips,  &c.] 

ACT  11.    Scene  1. 

[Enter  Apostles  Peter,  James»  and  JoHisr,  with  the  can- 
didates for  endowment. 

Peter.  Dearly  beloved,  you  are  now  in  the 
way  of  salvation.  Be  faithful  to  each  other,  and 
all  your  brethren.  Betray  not  the  secret  things 
of  Zion  to  the  ungodly  gentiles.  Think  not  with 
your  own  thoughts,  but  come  to  the  priesthood. 
They  are  the  mediators  between  God  and  man. 
Obey,  without  murmuring,  whatever  they  com- 
mand, though  it  may  seem  to  you  unjust  or  un- 
reasonable. Your  hearts  are  not  so  fully  sanctified 


160     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

as  to  enable  you  to  judge  as  to  the  merit  of  their 
acts.  Be  ever  ready  and  willing  to  forsake  fath- 
er or  mother,  husband  or  wife,  houses  or  lands, 
for  the  glory  of  Zion,  and  the  upbuilding  of 
God's  kingdom  on  the  Earth.  And  more  espe- 
cially, brethren^  as  you  value  your  eternal  salva- 
tion and  temporal  welfare,  speak  no  evil  of  the 
Lord's  anointed. 

[An  oath  is  now  administered,  with  particu- 
lars the  most  disgusting  and  revolting.  Anoth- 
er sign,  key-word,  and  grip,  are  communicated, 
and  the  First  Degree  of  the  Melchisedec 
Priesthood  is  conferred.] 

SCENE  11. 
Another  room  with  ak  altar  in  the  center; 

ON  it  the  Bible,  Book  of  Mormon,  and  Book 

of  Doctrine  and  Covenants.    Jehovah  in  the 

room   and  Eloheim  in  the  next,  looking  on. 

The  candidates  are  ranged  round  the  altar. 

The  Apostles  are  also  present. 

Peter.     You   are  now  in  a   saved   condition, 
and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God.     You  are  to 
enter  on  the  work  of  the  Lord,  in  truth  and  sin 
cerity. 

"Behold  now,"  saith  the  Lord,  *'the  wicked 
and  ungodly  gentiles;  they  have  slain  the  Proph- 
et Joseph,  persecuted  the  saints,  and  mocked  at 


THB  OURSE  OF  GOD.  161 

my  priesthood.  Therefore,  O  Israel,  arise  in 
thy  strength,  go  forth  and  revenge  the  wrongs 
of  my  people  on  this  perverse  generation.  They 
have  spilled  the  blood  of  the  saints,  and  wasted 
their  substance.  Therefore  let  their  blood  be 
spilled,  and  let  their  substance  be  wasted." 

Let  the  curse  of  God  rest  on  this  nation  and 
Government.  Let  wars  and  famine,  and  cruel 
pestilence  overtake  them,  and  let  the  Church  of 
God,  in  its  glory  and  power,  rule  over  all  the 
nations,  and  fill  the  whole  earth. 

Therefore,  brethren,  be  ye  vigilant;  and  let 
no  opportunity  pass  to  vindicate  the  name  of 
your  God;  and  if  you  cannot  do  it,  teach  it  to 
your  children.  Let  them  take  it  from  their 
mother's  breast.  Teach  it  to  them  from  your 
bed  of  death,  and  leave  it  for  an  inheritance, 
that  all  people  may  know  that  the  God  of  Israel 
has  set  His  hand  to  gather  His  people,  and  to  de- 
stroy the  wicked  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 

[Here  another  oath  is  administered,  binding 
the  endowee  to  revenge  the  death  of  Joseph 
Smith  on  this  generation ;  to  cherish  constant  en- 
mity toward  the  United  States  Government,  do- 
ing all  in  his  power  for  its  overthrow;  to  baffle 
its  designs,  to  refuse  submission  and  renounce 
all  allegiance,  and  to  obey  the  churoh  authorities, 
and  no  other. 


162     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Curses  the  most  frightful,  penalties  the  most 
barbarous,  accompany  the  obligation,  to  add  to 
its  binding  eflScacy.  and  to  insure  secrecy.  A 
new  sign,  grip,  &c.,  complete  the  Second  De- 
gree OF  THE  MeLCHISEDEO  PrIESTHOOD.] 

John.  You  are  the  children  of  the  Most 
High,  endued  with  powers  and  blessings.  Your 
robes  of  righteousness,  which  you  must  hence 
forth  wear,  in  token  of  your  covenants,  are  on 
the  wrong  shoulder,  and  none  but  God's  priest- 
hood can  set  them  right.  [The  robes  are  chang- 
ed to  the  other  shoulder,  and  the  candidates  are 
stationed  in  a  circle,  around  the  altar.] 

Peter.  Little  children,  you  are  now  the  cho- 
sen of  God  to  carry  on  His  mighty  work,  and 
He,  through  His  servant,  will  teach  you  how  to 
pray,  that  your  supplications  may  reach  the  eter- 
nal throne,  and  call  down  an  immediate  answer. 

[Pete"  kneels  on  his  right  knee,  takes  hold  of 
the  hand  of  one  of  the  standing  brethren,  ail  of 
whom  are  united  by  a  fantastic  intertwining  of 
hands,  and  prays  slowly,  all  repeating  his  words 
after  him :] 

'*0,  God,  ruler  of  the  celestial  world,  we  have 
this  day   taken   upon  ourselves   covenants   and 
powers  from  thy    hand.     Make   us  faithful   to 
those  covenants;  and  if  we  obey  not  thy  com 
mands,  let  thy  curses  descend   upon  our  heads. 


SEALING.  168 

Make  us  faithfnl  in  Zion  and  in  the  upbuilding 
of  her  cause,  and  at  last  receive  us  into  thy  ce- 
lestial kingdom,  with  all  the  gifts,  powers,  and 
blessings  this  day  pronounced  upon  the  faithful 
in  Israel.    Amen. 

Peter.  Brethren,  you  are  now  members  of 
the  holy  orders  of  God's  priesthood.  Hence- 
forth you  are  entitled  to  all  the  blessings  and 
privileges  of  the  same. 

[The  endowees,  fitted  for  Heaven  and  celestial 
glory  pass  "behind  the  vail,"  a  new  name  is 
whispered  very  softly  and  quickly  to  each;  cer- 
tain marks,  resembling  the  Maeonic  square  and 
compass,  are  cut  in  the  under  garment,  on  the 
left  breast;  also  a  similar  one  on  the  knee. 
The  candidates  are  then  ushered  into  the  full 
light  and  glory  of  the  celestial  kingdom.  The 
brethren  turi>  back  to  the  vail,  and  admit  their 
wives,  whose  garments  are  marked  in  a  similar 
manner.] 

SCENE  111.    Thjp  Celestial  Kingdom. 

In  the  center  of  this  apartment  is  an  altar, 
nicely  cushioned,  with  a  cushioned  ledge  to 

KNEEL  UPON.       ThE  MEN     KNEEL  UPON    ONE  SIDE 
AND  THE  WOMEN  UPON  THE  OTHER,  EACH  BROTHER 
HOLDING    THE  HAND    OF  HIS  WIFE,     ALSO  OF   THE 
WOMAN  TO  WHOM    HE  IS  TO  BE  SEALED,    WITH  THE 
PATRIARCHAL  GRIP.      ThE  CEREMONY  OF  SEALING 


164  ADVENTURES   IN  THE   FAR  WEST, 

FOE  ETERNITY  THEN  COMMENCES. 

Elohbim.  Children  of  Earth,  yon  have  been 
redeemed  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  by  the 
power  of  my  holy  priesthood.  You  have  been 
faithful  unto  the  end,  and  shall  now  receive  a 
crown  of  glory. 

Brother  and  Sister  White  and  Sister  Brown, 
arise  and  receive  your  blessings.  Brother  White, 
as  I  gave  Eve  unto  your  father  Adam,  while  he 
was  yet  pure  and  holy,  so  give  I  your  wife  unto 
you  to  be  yours  to  all  eternity. 

Now  Sister  White,  as  Sarah  the  mother  of  the 
faithful  gave  Hagar  unto  Abraham,  I  command 
you  to  give  unto  your  husband  another  wife, 
that  he  may  be  exalted  in  my  Celestial  Kingdom . 
( The  wife  stands  on  the  left  of  her  husband, 
while  the  bride  elect  stands  on  her  left. ) 

Elo.  Sister  White,  are  you  willing  to  give  this 
woman  to  your  husband,  to  be  his  lawful  and 
wedded  wife,  for  time  and  eternity?  If  you  are, 
you  will  manliest  it  by  placing  her  right  hand 
within  the  right  hand  of  your  husband. 

(The  right  hands  of  the  bridegroom  and  bride 
being  thus  joined,  the  wife  takes  her  husband 
by  the  left  arm  as  in  the  attitude  of  walking. ) 
Eloheim  continues, — ^'Do  you,  Brother  White* 
take  Sister  Brown  by  the  right  hand,  to  receive 
her  unto  yourself,  to  be  your  lawful  and  wedded 


THE  WIFB^S  SACRIFICE.  165 

wife,  and  you  to  be  her  lawful  and  wedded  hus- 
band, for  time  and  for  all  eternity,  with  a  cov- 
enant and  promise  on  your  part,  that  you  will 
fulfill  all  the  laws,  rites  and  ordinances  pertaining 
to  this  holy  matrimony,  in  the  new  and  everlast- 
ing covenant,  doing  this  in  the  presence  of  God, 
angels,  and  these  witnesses,  of  your  own  free 
will  and  choice? 

Bro.  White.     "Yes." 

Elo.  Do  you  Sister  Brown,  take  Bro.  White 
by  the  right  hand  and  give  yourself  to  him  to 
be  his  lawful  and  wedded  wife,  for  time  and  all 
eternity,  with  a  covenant  and  promise,  on  your 
part,  that  you  will  fulfill  all  the  laws,  rites,  and 
ordinances  pertaining  to  this  holy  matrimony, 
in  the  new  and  everlasting  covenant,— doing  this 
in  the  presence  of  God,  angels,  and  these  wit- 
nesses, of  your  own  free  will  and  choice? 

Sister  Brown.     "Yes.'^ 

Elo.  In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  Holy  Priesthood, 
I  pronounce  you  legally  and  lawfully,  husband 
and  wife,  for  time  and  all  eternity;  and  I  seal 
upon  you  the  blessings  of  the  holy  resurrection, 
with  power  to  come  forth  in  the  first  resurrec- 
tion, clothed  with  glory,  immortality,  and  eternal 
lives;  and  I  seal  upon  you  the  blessings  of  thrones 
and  dominions,  and  principalities,  and  powers, 


166     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

and  exaltations ;  together  with  the  blessings  of 
Abraham,  Isaac  and  Jacob;  and  I  say  unto  you, 
be  ye  fruitful  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the 
earth,  that  you  may  have  joy  and  rejoicing  in 
your  posterity,  in   the   day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

All  these  blessings,  together  with  all  other 
blessings  pertaining  to  the  new  and  everlasting 
covenant,  1  seal  upon  your  heads,  and  enjoin 
faithfulness  unto  the  end,  by  the  authority  of 
the  Holy  Priesthood,  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen." 

The  candidates  dress,  get  a  lunch,  and  return 
to  the  "celestial  kingdom"  to  hear  a  lecture  by 
Kimball,  explanatory  of  the  whole  scheme.  The 
signs,  tokens,  marks,  and  ideas  are  many  of  them 
taken  from  the  Masonic  Order.  "The  intention 
of  the  mystery*  is  to  teach  unlimited  obedience 
to  the  church  and  treason  against  the  country." 


OHAPTEK  XVII. 


HISTORY   OF  WOMAN. 

Woman  is  looked  upon  and  treated  by  all 
heathen  nations  as  an  inferior  being,  created  for 
the  convenience  and  comfort  of  man. 

According  to  the  ancient  Rabbis,  the  rib  which 
had  been  taken  from  Adam,  was  laid  down  for  a 
moment,  and  in  that  moment  a  monkey  came 
and  stole  it,  and  ran  oft  with  it,  full  speed.  An 
angel  pursued,  and  though  not  in  league  with  the 
monkey,  he  could  have  been  no  good  angel ;  for, 
overtaking  him,  he  caught  him  by  the  tail 
brought  it  maliciously  back,  instead  of  the  rib, 
and  out  of  the  tail  was  woman  made.  What  be- 
came of  the  rib  .with  which  the  monkey  got  clear 
off  'was  never  to  mortal  known.' 

The  Hungarians  think  it  infamous  to  be  gov- 


168     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

* 

erned  by  a  woman, — and  when  the  crown  fell  to 
a  female,  thej  called  her  King;  Mary  instead  of 
Queen. 

Aristotle  calls  woman  a  monster,  and  Plato 
make's  it  a  question  whether  she  ought  not  to  be 
ranked  among  the  irrational  creatures. 

Mahomet,  too,  was  not  the  only  person  who 
has  supposed  that  women  have  no  souls.  A- 
mong  the  Afghans,  twelve  young  women  were 
given  as  compensation  for  the  slaughter  of  one 
man.  Six  for  cutting  off  a  hand,  an  ear,  or  a 
nose;  three  for  breaking  a  tooth,  and  one  tor  a 
wound  of  the  scalp.  By  the  lawis  of  the  Vene- 
tians, and  certain  other  Oriental  people,  the 
testimony  of  two  women  was  equivalent  to  that 
of  one  man. 

According  to  the  Brahmins,  the  widow  who 
burns  herself  with  the  body  of  her  husband,  will, 
in  her  next  state,  be  born  a  male;  but  the  widow 
who  refuses  to  make  the  self-sacrifice,  will  never 
be  anything  better  than  a  woman,  let  her  be 
born  as  often  as  she  may. 

The  Jew  begins  his  public  prayer  with  a  thanks- 
giving to  his  Maker  for  not  having  made  him  a 
woman.  The  Moors  do  not  allow  women  to  en- 
ter their  mosques  or  places  of  worship. 

Mussulmen  hold  that  there  is  a  sieparate  para- 
dise for  women,  considering  them  unworthy  to 


AFRAID  OF  WOMEK.  169 

occupy  the  same  as  the  men,  except  stich  beau- 
tiful women  as  are  assigned  to  the  male  occupants 
as  a  reward  for  a  virtuous  and  religious  life  on 
earth.  ''Sit  not  it\  the  midst  of  women,"  said  the 
8on  of  Sirach,  in  his  wisdom ;  '*for  from  garments 
Cometh  a  moth,  and  from  women,  wickedness." 

"It  is  a  bad  thing,"  said  Augustine,  "to  look 
upon  a  woman,  a  worse  to  speak  to  her,  and 
to  touch  her,  worst  of  all."  John  Bunyan  thank- 
ed God  that  he  had  made  him  shy  of  the  wom- 
en. "The  common  salutation  of  women  I  abhor," 
said  he,  "their  company  alone,  I  cannot  away 
with."  "Look  at  the  very  name*  woman,"  says 
another  author,  "it  evidently  means  woe  to  man, 
because  by  woman  was  woe  brought  into  the 
world." 

The  Turk  does  not  exclude  woman  from  his 
heaven,  but  she  is  there  only  to  minister  to  his 
passions  and  wants.  She  bears  to  his  lips  the 
golden  goblet,  filled  with  the  nectar  of  the  gods. 

The  Indian  hunter  believes  his  squaw,  as  well 
as  his  faithful  dog,  will  bear  him  company  to 
those  shadowy  hunting-grounds  beyond  the  dark 
river. 

Among  all  these  heathen  and  degraded  nations, 
polygamy  has  prevailed.  Among  them  all,  wom- 
an has  been  but  the  slave  of  the  stronger  sex. 
Her  feelings   have  been    outraged,   her   spirit 


170    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

crushed,  her  heart  broken;  or,  which  is  still  worse, 
her  nature  has  become  imbruted  and  insensible 
to  all  the  finer  feelings  and  nobler  impulses  of 
her  sex. 

Foremost  in  the  ranks  of  her  oppressors 
stood  Brigham  Young.  Following  in  the  foot- 
steps of  Mohammed,  he  declared  that  womei^ 
have  no  souls, — that  they  are  not  responsible  be- 
ings, that  they  cannot  save  themselves,  nor  be 
saved,  except  through  man's  intervention.  To 
be  saved,  a  woman  must  be  sealed  to  a  good  man, 
— he  can  save  her;  or,  if  he  does  not,  her  sins 
will  be  upon  his  head.  Under  this  system,  wom- 
an was  created  expressly  for  the  glory  of  man; 
hence  the  more  women  and  children  a  man  has, 
the  more  glory. 

This  doctrine  is  openly  put  forth  in  the  most 
disgusting  form. 

Said  Brigham,  in  a  public  discourse,  Sept. 
20th,  1856,— 

"It  is  the  duty  of  every  righteous  man  and  woman,  to 
prepare  tabernacles  for  all  the  spirits  they  can;  hence  if 
my  women  leave,  I  will  go  and  search  up  others  who  will 
abide  the  celestial  law,  and  let  all  I  now  have  go  where  they 
please." 

It  may  seem  very  strange,  that  so  many  wom- 
en are  led  into  the  snare  of  polygamy.  The 
most  specious  arguments  are  advanced,  and  in- 
ducements held  out,  by  the  wicked  and  design- 


THE  BIBLE  AND  POLYGAMY.  171 

in^  leaders  of  the  Mormon  Church,  to  blind  and 
deceive  unsuspecting  and  simple-minded  women. 
They  are  told  that  "the  laws  of  Christendom  dif- 
fer widely  from  those  of  the  other  three  fourths 
of  the  whole  family  of  man;"  that  they  are  the 
laws  and  practices  of  "a  wicked  and  perverse 
generation,"  and  differ  also  from  the  doctrines 
taught  in  the  Bible.  It  is  a  noticeable  fact  that 
the  Bible  is  only  quoted  on  the  subject  of  po- 
lygamy. On  all  other  topics,  the  books  of  Mor- 
monism  are  used.  These  being,  as  already 
shown,  adverse  to  their  favorite  institution,  re- 
sort is  had  to  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures. 

Abraham  is  constantly  cited  as  the  great  ex- 
emplar and  pattern.  It  is  urged  that  the  family 
order  observed  by  him  is  the  order  established 
among  celestial  beings,  in  the  celestial  world. 
That  God  sanctioned  the  practice,  and  is  himself 
a  polygamist. 

One  of  the  most  important  innovations  upon 
the  establiahed  doctrines  of  the  church,  is  in  re 
lation  to  the  Godhead.  In  April,  1852,  Brig- 
ham  put  forth  the  startling  doctrine  that  Adam 
is  God,  and  to  be  recognized  and  honored  as  such! 
This  announcement  created  some  consternation 
among  the  Mormon  theologians,'  and  some  of 
them  had  the  courage  to  oppose  it.  The  follow- 
ing is  the   Revelator's  own  exposition  of  this 


172     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

doctrine: — 

**When  the  Virgin  Mary  conceived  the  child  Jesus,  the 
Father  had  begotten  him  in  his  own  likeness.  He  was  not 
begotten  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  who  is  the  Father? 
He  is  the  first  of  tJie  human  family;  and  when  he  took  a 
tabernacle,  it  was  begotten  by  his  Father  in  heaven,  after 
the  same  manner  as  the  tabernacles  of  Cain,  Abel,  and  the 
rest  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Adam  and  Eve.     .     .     • 

It  is  true  that  the  earth  was  org-anized  by  three  distinct 
characters,  namely:  Eloheim,  Yahovah,  and  Michael, 
[Adam;]  these  three  forming  a  quomm,  as  in  all  heavenly 
bodies,  and  in  organized  element  perfectly  represented  in 
the  Deity,  as  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

"When  our  Father  Adam  came  into  the  garden  of  Eden, 
he  came  with  a  celestial  body,  and  brought  £h}e,  one  of  his 
witm,  with  him.  He  helped  to  make  and  organize  iliis 
world.  He  is  Michael,  the  Archangel,  the  Ancient  of  Days. 
He  is  our  Father  and  o^r  Qod,  and  the  only  God  with  whom 
toe  have  to  do.  ,  .  .  Jesus,  our  elder  brother,  was  begot- 
ten in  the  flesh  by  the  same  character  that  was  in  the  gar. 
den  of  Eden,  and  who  is  our  Father  in  Heaven." 

Mahomet  is  the  great  exemplar  and  prototype 
whom  Brigham  Young  aimed  to  imitate,  and 
doubtless  he  took  from  the  Koran  his  ideas  a- 
bout  the  deity  of  Adam.  Thus  in  chapter  two 
of  the  Koran,  we  have  the  following: — 

"And  when  we  said  unto  the  angels,  'worship  Adam,'  they 
all  worshiped  him,  except  Eblis,    [Lucifer,]  who  refused." 

That  many  virtuous  and  high-minded  women 
should  infinitely  prefer  to  unite  their  fortunes 
to  ONB  good  man,  rather  than  to  have  each  a 
wicked  husband  who  could  bring  her  no  exaita- 


Jacob's  reward.  173 

tion  in  another  world.  "Shall  such  virtuous  and 
innocent  females,  tjiongh  they  may  be  poor,  anrl 
low  in  the  scale  of  fortune's  partial  smiles, — 
shall  they  be  denied  to  choose  the  objects  (>i 
their  love?  Must  they,  through  the  operation 
of  hideously  contracted  laws,  be  virtually  doom 
ed  to  resort  to  infamous  prostitution,  entailing 
disease,  infamy,  and  death  upon  themselves  and 
their  offspring,  or  to  marry  an  inferior  grade  o\ 
corrupt,  and  vicious  men, — debauchees,  gluttonp. 
drunkards,  and  idlers, — or  remain  in  perpetual 
celibacy,  and  frustrate  the  designs  of  their  crea- 
tion, and  violate  the  first  and  foremost  command 
of  God, — to  multiply  and  replenish  the  earth?" 

They  are  pointed  to  Jacob,  also,  who  had*  sev- 
eral wives,  and  who  was  the  father  of  the  twelve 
patriarchs,  after  whom  all  the  tribes  of  Israel 
were  named.  From  one  of  these  wives,  Chrisi 
himself  lineally  descended.  Various  other  in- 
stances are  cited  from  the  Jewish  Scriptures,— 
especially  the  fact  that  the  Lord  gave  unto  Da- 
vid some  of  the  wives  of  Saul.  "Hereby  we 
learn  that  God  himself  gives  niMuy  wives  to  those 
who  are  faithful,  and  takes  them  away  from 
TRANSGRESSORS."  The  faith  of  Abraham  was  in- 
dorsed by  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  and  those 
who  have  the  same  faith  are  called  heirs  of  thr 
promise.     Hence  an  effort  is  made  to  bring  the 


174     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

ISTew  Testament  also  to  the  support  of  polygamy 
notwithstanding  it  is  so  plainly  condemned  in 
that  volume.  Indeed,  it  is  unblushingly  assert- 
ed that  not  only  the  Apostles,  but  Christ  himself 
practiced  polygamy!  ''The  grand  reason,"  said 
J.  M.  Grant,  one  of  the  First  Presidency,  in  a 
discourse  delivered  in  the  Tabernacle  in  Great 
Salt  Lake  City,  "why  the  gentiles  and  philoso- 
phers of  that  school  persecuted  Jesus  Christ, 
was  because  he  had  so  many  wives.  There  were 
Elizabeth  and  Mary,  and  a  host  of  others,  who 
followed  him." 

To  Abraham  and  Sarah  was  the  promise 
made — "In  thee  and  thy  seed,  shall  all  the  na- 
tions- of  the  earth  be  blessed."  The  sisters  are 
called  upon  to  follow  the  example  of  Sarah,  and 
to  give  plural  wives  to  their  husbands,  even  as 
Sarah  gave  Hagar  unto  Abraham.  "If  you  suf- 
fei"  with  her  [SarahJ  you  shall  reign  with  her. 
You  shall  be  heirs  of  the  same  promise,  and 
crowned  with  glory  in  the  celestial  world." 

By  these  specious  arguments  and  falsehoods, 
are  thousands  lured  on  to  destruction. 


CHAPTEK  XYIII. 


A  sister's  revelation. 
From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 
Yesterday  I  received  a  lonp^  visit  from  a  Mor- 
mon sister.  She  had  seemed  to  want  to  confide 
in  me  several  times  before  and  as  we  sat  convers- 
ing rather  confidentially,  the  subject  of  polyga- 
my came  up.  I  said,  ^'How  is  it  that  so  many 
women  of  intelligence  and  refinement,  come  to 
Utah  and  are  to  be  found  in  polygamy,  either  as 
first,  or  plural  wives?"  Said  she,  "I  will  tell 
you.  When  the  Elders  teach  this  doctrine  at  all 
to  their  new  converts  in  other  countries,  they 
never   teach  it   to  unbelievers,   they   lay   great 


176     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

stress  upon  the  assertion  "that  in  no  case  would 
any  man  be  allowed  to  take  a  second  or  third 
wife  without  the  entire  consent  and  approval  of 
the  first.  This  statement,  though  false'  and  de- 
ceptive, naturally  silences  the  fears  of  many  wom- 
en, by  leading  them  to  believe  that  their  hus- 
bands could  never  enter  polygamy  without  their 
consent  an'Q  approval. 

The  theory  is  that  when  a  Mormon  wishes  to 
take  another  wife,  Brigham  Young  must  have  a 
revelation  that  the  Lord  desires  the  brother  to 
extend  his  kingdom,  and  directs  the  patriarch  to 
obtain  the  consent  of  the  first  wife  to  take  an- 
other. Then  lie  must  get  the  consent  of  the 
parents  or  guardians  of  the  bride  elect,  he  must 
make  love  to  the  damsel  herself,  showing  her 
that  in  his  devotion  to  God  and  for  the  upbuild- 
ing of  His  kingdom  on  Earth  and  in  the  Heav- 
ens, he  desires  to  take  her  for  a  second  wife  that 
he  may  save  her  soul  and  make  her  a  queen  in 
the  Celestial  Kingdom.  In  this  he  is  presumed 
to  obtain  the  acquiescence  of  the  damsel  herself. 
This  is  the  theory.  Should  the  "Lord"  disap- 
prove, the  suit  is  ended. 

A  sister  once  resisted  the  attempt  of  her  hus- 
band to  take  another  wife  and  in  her  agony  ex- 
claimed, "Surely  the  Lord  will  not  sanction  this 
thing  which  will  break  my  heart."     A  friend  in 


BBIOHAM  YOUR  GOD.  177 

• 

high  station  laid  his  hand  upon  her  arm  and 
pointed  to  the  residence  of  Brother  Brigham 
and  emphatically  remarked,  "Your  Lord  resides 
up  there."  "Ah  ray  friend,"  she  said,  "It  is  too 
true  that  Brigham  Young  is  the  only  God  with 
whom  we  have  to  do.  His  will  is  law,  his  ha- 
tred, death."  I  said,  why  do  not  the  women  re- 
sist this  dreadful  law.  She  smiled  sadly,  shook 
her  head  and  with  a  shudder  continued.  "One 
poor  wife  tried  that  plan  and  her  fate  was  too 
terrible  to  relate."  My  curiosity  was  greatly 
excited  and  I  urged  her  to  tell  me  the  story. 

"You  know"  she  began,  "that  the  Revelation 
says  that  if  any  man  have  a  wife  who  holds  the 
keys  of  this  power,  and  he  teaches  her  the  law 
of  my  priesthood,  as^ pertaining  to  these  things, 
then  SHE  SHALL  BELIEVE,  and  administer  unto  him 
or  she  shall  be  destroyed,  saith  the  Lord  your 
God,  for  I  will  destroy  her."  Well,  the  hus- 
band of  my  friend  saW  a  lovely  girl  and  was  de- 
termined to  have  her.  He  consulted  his  wife 
but  she  was  bitterly  opposed  and  to  make  mat- 
ters worse,  my  friend  was  the  daughter  of  one 
high  in  the  priesthood.  She  went  to  her  father 
and  besought  his  protection,  but  without  avail. 
He  told  her  she  must  obey  the  Celestial  Law. 

For  many  days  and  nights  she  moaned  and 
wept.    She  refused  to  eat  or  drink.     Her  pite- 


178     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

0U8  appeals  to  her  husband  and  father,  were 
enough  to  melt  a  heart  of  stone.  At  length, 
wearied  and  worn,  she  gave  her  consent  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Endowment  House  to  perform  the 
^'sealing."  With  a  dazed  and  wandering  mind 
but  a  calm  exterior,  my  poor  friend  went  through 
the  ceremony  untiJ  the  last  and  crowning  act, 
and  when  she  took  the  handof  the  "bi-ide  elect," 
and  placed  it  in  the  hand  of  her  husband,  she 
gave  a  shriek  which  pierced  the  very  heavens 
and  sank  lifeless  to  the  floor.  When  she  reviv- 
ed, reason  had  fled  and  the  bride  and  groom  car- 
ried to  their  home  a  raving  maniac." 

"Oh,  my  poor  friend,  once  so  bright,  so  lovely 
and  so  happy."  And  tears  flowed  freely  down 
her  face  as  she  continued,  *'I  could  take  you  to 
see  her  any  day  if  I  dared."  She  is  now  gentle 
and  quiet  unless  she  sees  the  second  wife  when 
she  calls  to  mind  everything  that  happened  that 
dreadful  day.  She  has  one  little  room  about  ten 
feet  square  and  here  she  spends  most  of  her 
time,  sometimes  wandering  aimlessly  through 
the  garden  and  grounds  of  her  home,  now  hers 
no  longer.  I  said,  '*This  must  be  an  exceptional 
case  is  it  not?"  She  replied,  "You  would  be 
perfectly  astonished  if  you  knew  how  many  in- 
sane women  there  are  in  the  territory,  particu- 
larly, first  wives." 


Israel's  god.  179 

They  are  not  often  allowed  so  much  freedom 
as  my  friend,  but  are  kept  in  uuder-ground  and 
out  of  the  way  places,  aud  when  it  can  be  done 
safely,  they  are  "disposed  of"  in  such  a  way  as 
to  give  their  husbands  the  least  trouble,  in  other 
words,  the  Revelation  is  obeyed  to  the  letter  and 
they  are  destroyed." 

My  anger  was  by  this  time  fully  roused  and  I 
said,  "I  would  never  submit,  I  would  fly  to  the 
desert  before  I  would  yield  to  such  degradation.'' 
"Alas,  niy  friend,"  said  she,  "that  too,  has  been 
tried,  but  with  nothing  but  disastrous  results. 
I  had  a  friend  some,  years  ago  who  tried  to  es- 
cape and  her  bones  lie  bleaching  on  the  sands  ot 
the  desert.  She. was  a  well  educated,  energetic 
little  woman  and  had  a  son  and  daughter  bornnn 
England.  She  had  loved  and  respected  her  hus- 
band very  much  and  he  had  promised  her  that 
if  she  would  come  to  "Zion"  he  would  never  go 
into  polygamy.  He  was  a  g^ood  man  and  fully 
intended  and  desired  to  keep  his  word.  One 
day  Pj-esident  Young  sent  for  him  and  counsel- 
ed him  to  take  a  second  wife,  and  when  he  plead 
his  promise  to  his  wife,  the  angry  prophet  said 
"I  command  you  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God, 
that  ye  do  this  thing,  or  judgment  will  be  laid 
to  the  line  and  righteousness  to  the  plummet 
and  you  shall  be  sheared  down." 


180     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

This  threat  could  not  be  disregarded  by  either 
husband  or  wife  and  the  second  wife  was  brought 
home.  With  her  entrance  at  the  front  door, 
peace,  happiness  and  hope  fled  away,  and  the 
poor  wife  endured  in  silence  as  long  as  human 
nature  could  endure.  Children  canae,  and  then 
the  husband  began  to  be  cold  and  distant  toward 
her.  This  broke  her  heart  and  she  resolved  to 
get  away.  One  evening  we  were  strolling  about 
Emigration  Square,  and  we  stopped  to  talk  with 
some  of  the  emigrants.  We  learned  that  sever- 
al families,  not  liking  the  appearance  of  things, 
had  resolved  to  go  on  to  California  and  were  in- 
tending to  join  a  party  of  Gentile  emigrants  at 
a  distance  of  about  one  hundred  miles  west  of 
Salt  Lake  City.  My  friend  resolved  to  go  on 
with  them.  She  gathered  a  few  household  goods 
as  rapidly  as  possible  and  in  the  dead  of  night, 
conveyed  them  to  the  camp  of  the  emigrants. 
Next  morning,  before  day,  they  started.  Noth- 
ing occurred  during  the  first  day  to  dist;urb  them 
and  they  hoped  that  they  were  to  be  allowed  to 
go  away  peaceably. 

Towards  night  of  the  second  day,  as  they  were 
traveling  along  in  a  narrow  canyon,  they  were 
startled  by  the  yells  of  Indians,  as  they  supp.osed. 
About  a  dozen  men  armed  to  the  teeth  and  dis- 
guised as  Indians  fell  upon  these  def^ncelepQ 


GODS   AND   GODDESSES.  181 

people  and  murdered  them  in  cold  blood.  The 
children  were  brought  back  to  Salt  Lake  City  as 
well  as  all  the  property  of  the  emigrants. 
These  children  remembered  the  horrible  scene 
and  told  it  to  those  who  had  them  in  charge." 

"This  is  too  outrageous  to  endure,"  I  said. 
"Why  do  not  the  Mormon  women  rise  en  masse 
and  make  an  appeal  to  Congress  to  take  up  their 
defense?'- 

"Oh,"  she  replied,  "although  many  Mormon 
women  pine  and  die  under  polygamy,  they  are. 
as  a  rule,  too  firm  in  the  faith  to  appeal  to  their 
enemies,  as  they  call  the  "Gentiles."  They 
would  suffer  death  itself  if  necessary,  for  their 
religion,  and  while  tl^ey  groan  under  polygamy, 
they  believe  in  it." 

This  seemed  very  strange  and  absurd  to  me, 
and  I  asked  her  to  explain  it.  She  began  by 
saying,  "You  know  we  are  all  taught  to  believe 
that  God  has  established  his  priesthood  again 
upon  earth,  through  Joseph  Smith  and  that  we 
are  led  as  the  children  of  Israel  of  old,  by  direct 
divine  revelation.  We  are  taught  that  there  are 
a  plurality  of  Gods  and  a  plurality  of  worlds, 
and  that  each  of  these  worlds  has  a  God  to  rule 
over  it.  Joseph  has  a  world  which  will  be  peo- 
pled by  his  descendants  and  over  which  he  will 
reign  as  God.     His  wives  will  be  Goddesses,  and 


182     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

will  each  rule  her  own  descendants  under  Joseph 
as  head  God.  The  same  is  true  of  Bro.  Brig- 
ham,  Bro.  Heber  and  others  in  the  order  and  ac- 
cording to  divine  right. 

We  are  instructed  that  if  a  wife  loves  her 
husband  truly  and  unselfishly,  that  she  will  want 
to  exalt  him  to  be  the  God  of  a  world,  and  she 
can  only  do  this  by  giving  him  many  wives  and 
thus  increase  his  family  and  help  to  people  his 
Earth.  In  withholding  wives  from  her  husband, 
a  woman  is  selfishly  and  wickedly  preventing 
him  from  being  a  God,  and  being  exalted  in  the 
'^Celestial  Kingdom."  "Is  it  possible"  I  asked, 
"that  all  Mormon  women  hold  these  views?" 
"Oh,  not  all  now,  because  many  are  here  who 
have  altogether  renounced  in  their  own  minds, 
the  whole  system,  but  do  not  dare  to  avow  their 
sentiments.  These  are  kept  in  subjection  by 
threats  of  destruction  in  case  of  disobedience. 

When  a  wife  is  weak  in  the  faith,  she  is  visit- 
ed by  the  proselyting  sisters  who  go  about  med- 
dling in  other  people's  afiPairs,  preaching  submis- 
sion to  the  poor  heart-broken  wives,  and  making 
love-matches.  They  remind  the  wives,  that 
woman  was  cursed  in  the  Garden  of  Eden,  and 
that  we  must  take  up  the  cross,  for  no  cross  no 
crown  and  when  the  wife  is  broken  in  and  tam- 
ed, the  husband  rejoices   and  the   "sisters"  join 


SECRET   ORDERS.  183 

in  prayer  and  relate  all  the  blessings  awaiting 
those  who  live  in  obedience  to  the  "Celestial 
Law."  This  generally  lasts  until  the  first  wife 
gets  a  glimpse  of  the  second  wife,  or  hears  of 
her  husband  taking  her  to  the  theater,  or  the 
dance  and  then  "the  devil,"  is  raised  again  and 
the  whole  performance  must  be  repeated." 

"There  ought  to  be  a  stop  put  to  these  terrible 
proceedings  and  I  think  our  government  ought 
to  be  ashamed  to  let  such  outrages  be  perpetra- 
ted upon  citizens  whether  they  petition  or  not." 
"There  are  a  good  many  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
doing  anything  in  that  way,"  said  she.  "That 
has  been  tried  a  number  of  times,  but  you  see 
the  "Secret  Orders,"  take  care  of  that  matter. 

"There  are  the  Grand  Archees  of  the  Grods, 
The  Danites,  The  Order  of  Enoch  and  the  Trav- 
eling Brethren,  and  the  resident  brethren.  Then 
we  have  our  representative  in  Congress  and  our 
newspapers  that  are  bought  up  in  the  interest 
of  the  Church.  A  large  amount  of  money  is 
kept  in  bank  in  Eastern  cities  to  use  whenever 
it  is  thought  necessary  to  j)revent  any  unfriendly 
legislation.  Then  the  Indians,  who  are  nearly 
all  Mormons,  are  ready  to  tear  up  the  telegraph 
lines,  attack  the  emigrants  and  Gentile  settlers, 
whenever  the  Mormon  Bishops  give  them  the 
order.     So  you  see  that  there  is  but  little  chance 


184     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

to  do  anything  to  successfully  resist  the  power 
of  the  Church.  Yon  know  several  times  quite 
large  numbers  have  apostatized  and  they  have 
always  been  "cut  off"  and  persecuted  until  they 
were  glad  to  i.et  away  with  their  lives  and  very 
few  have  even  thus  escaped. 

"Wherever  they  go,  the  mark  of  Cain  is  on 
them  and  their  lives  are  forfeited  and  it  is  made 
the  duty  of  any  good  Mormon  to  take  their  lives 
wherever  they  find  them.  It  is  held  that  if  their 
blood  is  shed,  it  will  ascend  unto  heaven  as  a 
sacrifice  for  their  sins  and  will  atone  for  their 
sins,  and  they  will  be  saved.  "It  is  also  taught, 
that  the  blood  of  Joseph  Smith,  is  upon  this 
generation  and  that  the  Saints  are  especially 
charged  to  avenge  hi8  blood  on  the  people  of  the 
United  States.  That  if  any  one  in  authority 
persecutes  "the  Saints,"  his  life  is  forfeited 
and  it  is  the  duty  of  any  Saint  to  "cut  off"  such 
a  person.  If,  therefore,  tliere  is  any  move  made 
in  Congress,  the  traveling  Elder,  our  representa- 
tive and  the  newspapers  and  the  resident  breth- 
ren combine  their  efforts  and  by  threats  or  bribes, 
defeat  any  unfriendly  laws."  "I  was  astonish- 
ed beyond  measure  at  these  revelations,  and  no 
longer  wonder  at  the  abject  obedience  to  Brig- 
ham's  sovereign  will.  How  long  will  these 
things  be  and  not  arouse  the  indignation  of  a 
duped  and  outraged  government."' 


GHAPTER  ;s:iX. 


WB  VISIT  THE  HAREM. 
From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 
1  had  now  been  in  Salt  Lake  Ciiy  nearly  a 
year  and  had  become  well  acquainted  with  the 
Mormon  women.  I  had  met  a  number  of  Brig- 
ham's  wives  and  had  visited  at  the  house  of  Mrs. 
Cobb,  but  I  had  never  been  through  the  Harem, 
or  seen  the  women  "at  home."  I  wanted  very 
much  to  do  so  and  one  day  a  lady  who  had  been 
one  of  Brigham's  wives,  said  if  I  would  dress 
up  as  a  ^'sister"  just  come  in  with  the  last  emi- 
gration, she  would  go  with  me  and  visit  the  Ha- 
rem. We  went  up  early  in  the  day  and  the 
women  were  generally  engaged  in  their  own  a- 


186     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

partinents  in  attending  to  their  own  rooms  and 
their  own  children's  clothing. 

We  entered  the  parlor  and  found  ourselves  in 
a  long  narrow  room,  with  a  large  window  in 
front,  and  four  on  the  side,  all  heavily  curtained. 
A  beautiful  Brussels  carpel,  design,  a  large  bo- 
quet  of  flowers,  a  rose,  surrounded  with  other 
flowers  and  leaves  with  a  light  ground,  covers 
the  floor.  Two  center-tables  of  solid  Mahogony, 
are  placed  at  equal  distances  from  the  ends  of 
the  room.  An  elegant  rose-wood  piano  sits  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  room.  Between  the  win- 
dows hangs  a  large  mirror,  under  which  is  a 
melodeon.  A  large  sofa,  upholstered  with  crim- 
son velvet  occupies  the  opposite  side,  and  near 
this  is  a  bureau,  With  silver  candle-sticks,  and 
other  ornaments.  The  chairs  are  painted  to  rep- 
resent Mahogony,  and  are  gilded.  The  room  is 
gilded.  A  large  stove  in  the  corner  near  the 
door,  completes  the  furniture  of  the  drawing 
room  of  the  Harem. 

The  family  meet  in  this  room,  every  morning 
and  evening  at  the  ringing  of  the  bell,  to  attend 
family  prayers.  From  this  we  passed  into  No.  2 
which  Mrs.  Emeline  Free  occupies.  She  has 
long  been  the  reigning  favorite,  the  "light  of  the 
Harem."  The  furniture  in  this  room  consists 
of  a  three  ply- carpet,  a  high  post  bedstead,  with 


NOURMAHAL,  187 

white  and  red  curtains,  sofa,  table,  chairs  paint- 
ed to  resemble  oak,  a  large  square  mirror,  oil 
shades,  wardrobe  and  fire  place.  It  is  here  that 
the  Prophet  formerly  spent  much  of  his  time, 
reaching  the  room  by  a  private  hall  to  avoid  the 
jealousy  of  the  other  wives.  Emeline  dressed 
his  curls,  petted  and  caressed  him,  and  worship- 
ed him  alternately  as  her  God. 

She  received  us  kindly  and  bade  us  be  seated. 
She  is  tall  and  graceful;  with  mild  violet  eyes, 
fair  wavy  hair  and  has  that  dreamy  style  of  beau- 
ty which  is  so  captivating  to  men.  She  would 
suggest  those  exquisite  lines  in  Lalla  Rooke. 

"O  Nourmahal; 

Thou  loveliest,  dearest  of  them  all; 
The  one  whose  smile  shone  out  alone 
Amidst  a  world,  the  only  one 
Whose  light,  among  so  many  lights, 
Was  like  that  star,  on  starry  nights, 
The  seaman  singles  from  the  sky, 
To  steer  his  bark  forever  by." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Free  were  opposed  to  polygamy, 
and  Brigham  went  one  day  to  convince  them  of 
their  error.  The  beautiful  Emeline  was  the  first 
he  sought  to  win,  and  he  argued  and  expounded 
the  new  doctrine  with  wonderful  zeal  and  fervor. 
At  length  the  parents  were  convinced.  The 
Prophet  of  the  Lord  stepped  up  to  Emeline, 
laid  his  saintly  hand  upon   her  shoulder,   and 


188     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

said,  in  fervid  accents,  "Emeline,  will  you  be 
my  wife?"  "Yes  sir,"  was  the  reply.  This  was 
their  courtship.  She  at  once  became  the  favor- 
ite, and  many  a  heart  grew  sad  when  she  became 
an  inmate  of  the  Harem. 

Brigham  distinguished  her  in  every  way;  gave 
her  better  rooms  than  the  rest,  and  servants 
to  wait  upon  her.  She  grew  to  love  him,  and 
obtained  a  powerful  influence  over  him.  There 
is  no  weapon  so  powerful  as  a  woman's  tears. 
This  Emeline  believed,  and  often  acted  upon,  to 
bring  back  her  truant  lover,  when  she  thought 
too  much  attention  was  paid  to  others.  Finally, 
so  great  became  the  jealousy  of  the  other  wives, 
that  the  husband  of  these  contending  fair  ones 
constructed  a  private  hall  leading  from  his  ofiice 
to  Emeline's  room,  that  he  might  visit  her  with- 
out observation  or  constraint. .  He  devoted  him- 
self to  her  exclusively,  and  she  reigned  supreme 
over  the  sisters.  She  received  her  company  in 
the  grand  saloon ;  she  occupied  the  seat  of  hon- 
or at  the  table,  at  the  right  hand  of  her  husband. 
In  short,  she  was  the  mistress  of  the  Harem. 

At  that  time  the  most  of  the  women  did  their 
own  work,  and  staid  in  their  own  rooms,  so  that 
there  was  but  little  communication  with  each 
other.  She  has  eight  children,  but  is  still  a 
young-looking  woman. 


DOMESTIC    ARRANGEMENTS.  189 

After  a  pleasant  chat  with  this  lovely  woman, 
we  took  our  leave  and  continued  our  calls  among 
the  women. 

No.  3.  Mrs.  Cobb  formerly  occupied  this 
room,  but  now  resides  in  a  neat  cottage  outside 
the  walls.  A  three  ply  carpet,  red  and  yellow, 
corcmon  bedstead  standing  in  a  recess,  fall-leaf 
table,  chairs  painted  oak,  oil-shades  with  white 
curtains,  a  small  mirror,  also  a  small  closet  and 
fireplace,  constitute  the  furniture  of  this  room. 
This  was  the  home  of  a  woman  who  had  lived 
in  a  comfortable  and  commodious  house  in  Bos- 
ton, as  its  mistress  and  head,  with  a  large  and 
interesting  family  around  lier.  All  this  she  left 
for  the  ridiculous  delusion  called  Mormonism. 
To  what  extremes  will  not  religious  fanaticism 
and  mistaken  zeal  lead  its  devotees! 

No.  4  is  a  large,  pleasant  room,  with  bedroom 
attached.  This  was  occupied  by  Clara  Chase 
and  her  children,  before  •  her  death.  She  was 
once  a  favorite  with  Brigham,  which  will  ac- 
count for  her  superior  accommodations.  This 
room  is  furnished  as  follows;  a  carpet  similar  to 
Emeline's,  common  bedstead  placed  in  a  recess, 
common  table,  nice  large  gilt  mirror,  red  and 
white  curtains,  wardrobe,  and  fireplace. 

No.  5.  This  room,  opposite  the  parlor,  be- 
longs to  Luc^  Decker,  the  first  wife  in  pluralit^^ 


190     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

and  is  rather  plainly  furnished.  Kag-carpet, 
plain  bedstead,  stand,  mirror,  oak  chairs,  ward- 
robe, small  cupboard  and  a  fireplace,  curtains 
of  the  prevailing  colors  red  and  white.  A  sit- 
ting-room and  two  bedrooms  are  allowed  Mrs. 
Lucy  Decker,  as  she  has  a  number  of  children. 

No.  6.  In  Clara  Decker's  room  stands  a  beau- 
tifully carved  bedstead,  arched  overhead  with 
heavy  damask  curtains,  chairs  like  parlor,  stand, 
settee,  Yenetian  blinds,  and  oil-shades.  Brig- 
ham's  portrait  in  oil,  half  size,  hangs  on  the  wall, 
also  a  large  mirror.  A  rag-carpet  covers  the 
floor.  A  bedroom  and  recess  are  attached  to 
this  room,  and  from  its  superior  furniture  it  is 
easy  to  infer  that  its  occupant  is  a  woman  fond 
of  show,  as  well  as  a  favorite  with  the  Prophet. 

No.  7.  Lucy  Bigelow's  room  contains  a  com- 
mon bedstead,  three  chairs,  a  stand,  wardrobe, 
carpet,  mirror,  and  white  curtains. 

No.  8.     Hall  leading  to  Emeline's  room. 

No.  9.  Emily  Partridge,  one  of  the  "prox- 
ies," occupies  this  room.  A  common  carpet, 
calico  curtains,  a  fall-leaf  table,  bedstead  and  the 
usual  quota  of  chairs,  make  up  the  furniture  of 
this  woman's  home. 

Formerly,  a  tin  pail  and  tin  wash -dish  consti- 
tuted the  toilet  set  of  most  of  the  wives,  but 
since  the  Prophet  has  had  so  many   fat  govern- 


AUNT    FANNY.  191 

ment  contracts,  and  his  purse  has  become  pleth- 
oric with  public  moue}',  and  from  the  continued 
inflow  of  tithing,  be  has  indulged  his  "women 
folks"  with  crockery  ware.  As  Uncle  Sam  is 
rich,  ahd  a  good  easy-going  soul,  why  should  he 
not  furnish  "Harems"  for  his  "loyal  and  law 
abiding  citizens?" 

No.  10  is  Aunt  Fanny  Murray's  room.  Her 
furniture  consists  of  a  red  and  yellow  carpet? 
home-made  bedsteads,  oak  chairs,  a  fall-leaf  ta- 
ble, and  oil-shades.  A  sitting-room  and  a  small 
bedroom  belong  to  Aunt  Fanny.  But  you  ask. 
Who  is  Aunt  Fanny?  She  was  in  her  young 
days,  Fanny  Young,  and  had  a  great  awkward 
brother  called  Brigham.  She  married  a  Mr. 
Murray,  to  whom  she  was  devotedly  attached. 
She  was  a  gentle,  kind  creature;  and  when  her 
husband  died,  she  became  dependent  on  -her 
brother.  She  had  long  been  a  believer  in  Mor- 
monism,  and  was  with  the  Mormons  at  Nauvoo. 
After  the  death  of  her  husband,  she  was,  by  the 
earnest  persuasion  of  her  brother  Brigham,  in- 
duced to  be  sealed  to  another.  She  protested  at 
the  time,  and  said  it  would  break  her  heart. 
And  in  relating  the  story  to  a  young  friend,  years 
afterward, — "Bessie,"  said  she,  "my  poor,  poor 
heart  is  breRking  now;"  and  laying  her  hnnd  on 
her  heart,   she  wept  aloud.     Aunt  Fanny   has 


192  ADVENTURES  IN   THE  FAR   WEST. 

gone  to  her  rest.  She  has  suffered  want  and  pri- 
vatioji,  mental  anguish  and  bodily  pain,  for  her 
religion.  Who  shall  say  that  her  dear  heavenly 
Father,  whom  she  so  blindly  worshiped,  will  not 
reward  her  with  a  crown  of  glory  in  His  king- 
dom above,  when  she  shall  rejoin  the  partner  of 
her  youth,  free  from  the  shackles  of  tyranny  and 
snperstitioti? 

Kos.  11  and  12  are  staircases. 

No.  13.  Main  Hall,  extending  the  whole 
length  of  the  building;  it  is  lighted  from  a  large 
window  at  the  further  end. 

This  completes  the  principal  story  of  the  Li- 
on House. 

The  Basement  Story. — No.  14.  General  cel- 
lar, where  all  kinds  of  vegetables  and  provisions 
are  stored.  \ 

No.  15.     Asli-house. 

No.  16.  Weaving  room.  The  wives  spin, 
color,  and  prepare  the  yarn,  and  a  man  is  kept 
employed  in  weaving.  A  large  quantity  of  cloth 
is  made  at  the  Harem  every  year.  Brigham's 
motto  is,  "No  drones  in  the  hive." 

No.  17  is  the  coachman's  room. 

No.  18.  Pantry.  Milk,  pies,  cake,  bread, 
and  cooked  provisions  are  kept  in  this  place. 

No.  19.     Back  Hall. 

No,  ^0  was  formerly   occupied  as  a  schooi- 


A  MORMON  FAMILY.  193 

room   and   dancing  academy   for   the   Youngs, 

No.  21.     Wash-room. 

1^0.  22.     Kitchen. 

N'o.  23.     Dish-room. 

!N"o.  24.  The  Dining-room  is  about  fifteen 
by  forty  feet.  Two  tables  extend  its  whole 
length,  allowing  only  a  passage-way  at  each  end. 
A  third  table  extends  two  thirds  of  the  length 
of  the  room.  Also  a  side-table,  and  chairs  of 
difierent  sizes,  to  accommodate  the  various  agei 
of  the  family  group. 

Each  wife  has  her  seat  at  the  table,  and  her 
children  sit  with  her.  The  wives  who  have  chil- 
dren are  seated  at  the  heads  of  the  tables  in  the 
o-der  in  which  they  came  into  the  family, — they 
taking  the  preference  over  those  who  have  no 
children.  This  is  the  case  in  every  well-regu- 
lated Mormon  family.  Among  Mormons,  the 
title  of  mother  includes  that  of  queen,  and  is 
consequently  the  highest  distinction  a  woman 
can  attain.  If  a  woman  has  no  child rhn,  she  is 
miserable,  and  her  position  in  society  is  a  very 
unpleasant  one.  She  can  only  redeem  herself  by 
urging  her  husband  to  take  more  wives.  Many 
women  do  this,  and  afterward  labor  incessantly 
for  the  new  mistresses  and  their  children. 

Lucy  Decker,  the  first  "plurality''  woman, 
presides  at  one  of  the  long  tables.    At  the  head 


194  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

of  the  short  table,  Brigham  always  presides, 
when  he  takes  his  meals  at  the  Harem.  On  his 
right  sits  Clara  Decker,  with  her  children,  and 
on  the  left,  Emeline,  with  hers.  This  order  is^ 
strictly  observed.  This  preference  causes  much 
unliappiness  on  the  part  of  other  wives  less  fa- 
vored. 

'No.  25.     Main  Hall. 

No.  26  and  27  are  staircases. 

No.  28.     Small  side  Hall. 

Thikd  Story. — This  floor  is  divided  in  the 
centre  by  a  wide  hall,  and  ranged  on  either  side 
are  ten  small  rooms,  of  nearly  uniform  size,  with 
one  door  and  window  each.  These  rooms  are 
about  twelve  by  fifteen  feet,  and  are  occupied 
principally  by  those  of  the  women  who  have  no 
children.     The  windows  are  of  the  Gothic  style. 

No.  29  is  occupied  by  *  Twiss,"  and  has  a  car- 
pet, common  bedstead,  tliree  oak  chairs,  a  little 
toilet  stand,  small  mirror,  and  plain  white  cur- 
tains. 

All  these  rooms  are  similarly  furnished.  All 
are  neat  and  clean.  Harriet  Cook,  Ellen  Rock- 
wood,  and  Twiss,  display  more  taste  than  the 
others  in  the  arrangement  of  their  little  cages. 

In  addition  to  these  articles,  Harriet  Cook  has 
mahogany  chairs,  instead  of  oak,  and  a  large 
cupboard,  painted  to  represent  mahogany.     All 


WHAT   THE  WOMEN  DO.  195 

the  rooms  are  furnished  with  stoves,  except  three, 
which  have  fireplaces. 

No  books,  except  the  Book  of  Mormon,  Book 
of  Doctrine  and  Covenants,  and  Mormon  Hymn- 
Book,  will  be  seen  in  any  room  except  Eliza 
Snow's;  she  bein|^  a  woman  of  considciable  lit- 
erary taste,  and  withal  a  writer, — having  made  a 
number  of  contributions  to  Mormon  literature, 
—her  room. is  indicative  of  the  same,  being  well 
supplied  with  books  and  papers. 

What  the  women  do. 

The  internal  arrangement  of  affairs  at  the  Ha- 
rem is  very  similar  to  that  of  a  young  ladies 
boarding-school.  Each  woman  having  her  own 
room,  her  affairs  are  all  centered  there.  The  cu- 
linary department  is  under  the  control  of  such 
of  the  wives  as  Brigliam  from  time  to  time  ap- 
points. She  is  the  stewardess,  and  carries  the 
keys.  A  cook  is  employed, — generally  a  man, 
— and  several  servants  besides,  who  are  all  under 
the  control  of  the  stewardess. 

When  the  meals  are  prepared  and  ready,  the 
bell  rings,  and  each  woman,  with  her  children,  if 
she  have  any,  files  down  to  the  dinner-table,  and 
is  seated  as  before  stated. 

Each,  on  rising,  has  her  children  to  attend  to 
and  get  ready  for  breakfast;  this  over,  she  com- 


196  ADVENTURE*    IN  THE  FAB.  WEST. 

mences  the  business  of  the  day,  arranges  hw 
rooms,  and  sits  down  to  her  sewing  or  other 
work,  as  the  case  may  be. 

A  sewing-machine  is  brought  into  requisition, 
and  one  of  the  number  appointed  to  use  it.  For 
the  benefit  of  those  who  want  a  sewing-machine, 
it  may  be  well  to  state  how  this  one  was  procur- 
ed. One  day  a  man  from  St.  Louis  came  to  of- 
fer one  for  sale,  stating  that  his  price  was  nine- 
ty dollars.  Brigham  bought  it,  promising  to 
pay  the  man  whenever  he  should  call.  The  man 
being  poor,  called  in  a  few  days.  He  did  not 
get  his  pay.  He  called  again,  a  number  of  times 
with  the  same  result.  One  of  the  wives  became 
quite  indignant,  and  said, — "If  I  was  in  his 
place,  1  never  would  ask  it  of  one  so  high  in  the 
priesthood.  He  had  better  give  it  to  him  than 
to  ask  pay  of  him.''  The  poor  man  never  re- 
ceived his  money,  and  as  soon  as  he  could  get 
the  means,  left  the  Territory.  This  is  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  Prophet  becomes  possessed  of 
much  of  his  property. 

Most  of  the  women  spin  and  make  their  every- 
day clothing,  doing  their  own  coloring.  They 
are  quite  proud  of  the  quantity  of  cloth  manu- 
factuied  in  their  establishment  every  year.  All 
work  hard,  and  take  but  very  little  out-of-door 
exercise.     Parties  and  the  theatre  are  the  favor- 


*rHB  THEATER.     *  19? 

ite  amnsemente.  At  the  theater,  Brigham  and 
one  or  two  of  the  favored  wives  sit  together  in 
the  "King's  box,"  but  the  remainder  of  the 
women  and  children  sit  in  what  is  called  "Brig- 
ham's  corral."  This  is  in  the  parquette,  about 
the  center  of  the  area.  The  Prophet  goes  down 
once  or  twice  during  the  evening  to  the  corral, 
and  chats  for  a  few  moments  with  one  and  an- 
other, but  in  a  short  time  he  can  be  seen  besid* 
his  '*dear  Amelia"  again. 

At  the  Mormon  parties,  much  gayety  prevails. 
Appearaiices  are  maintained,  somewhat,  by  pay- 
ing more  respectful  deference  to  the  first  wives, 
on  such  occasions.  Gentiles,  with  whom  the 
saints  are  on  good  terms,  are  well  received  and 
kindly  entertained  at  these  parties,  and  all  join 
in  giving  themselves  up  to  the  influence  of  mirth 
and  festivity.  Dancing  is  not  only  a  favorite  a- 
musement,  it  is  more;  it  is  cultivated  to  such 
an  extent  that  it  becomes  a  passion. 

Brigham 's  women,  though  better  clothed  than 
formerly,  still  work  very  hard.  They  are  infat- 
uated with  their  religion,  and  devoted  to  their 
husband.  If  they  cannot  obtain  his  love,  they 
content  themselves  with  his  kindness,  and  en- 
deavor to  think  themselves  happy.  As  religion 
is  their  only  solace,  they  try  to  make  it  their  on- 
ly object.     If  it  does  not  elevate  their  minds,  it 


198     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

deadens  their  Biisceptibilities,  and  as  they  are 
not  permitted  to  be  women,  they  tr}^  to  convince 
themselves  that  it  is  God's  will  they  should  be 

SLAVES. 

A  music-master,  a  dancing-master,  and  a  teach- 
er of  the  ordinary  bi'anclies  of  an  English  edu- 
cation, are  employed  in  the  family  school.  Al- 
so a  teaclier  of  French.  His  children  have  much 
better  advantages  than  any  other  in  the  Territo- 
ry. Dancing  aud  music  are  the  leading  accom- 
plishments, and  everything  else  is  made  subor- 
dinate to  these. 

We  passed  a  very  pleasant  morning,  and  after 
inspecting  the  house  and  the  domestic  arrange-, 
ments,  we  took  a  walk  through  the  gardens  and 
grounds.  Here  utility  was,  as  in  the  Mansion, 
made  the  leading  feature.  Nothing  was  done 
simply  for  show.  Choice  fruits,  such  as  the 
peach,  the  pear,  the  apricot  and  plum  were  in 
profusion,  and  currants,  strawberries  and  other 
small  fruit  were  plenty.  Yegetables  were  abun- 
dant and  of  excellent  quality.  Each  wife  had  a 
little  parterre  of  flowers,  mostly  of  the  old  iash- 
loned  kind,  marigolds,  honey  suckles  and  holly- 
hocks and  peonies,  and  scattered  everywhere  and 
perfuming  the  whole  garden,  were  numerous 
bushes  of  the  flowering  currant  wh  ch  grows  wild 
and  luxuriantly  in  these  mountains. 


lt»ROPHET's   BLOClS:.  199 

There  is  no  more  lovely  scene  than  the  grounds 
of  the  "Prophet's  Block,"  sloping  as  they  do  to- 
wards the  south  and  covered  with  all  their  wealth 
of  fruits  and  flowers.  My  friend,  who  had  lived 
in  the  Prophet's  family  and  is  perfectly  familiar 
with  everything  connected  therewith,  said  she 
would  give  me  a  description  of  all  of  the  wives 
some  day  when  we  both  had  leisure. 


CHAPTER  XX 


THE   WIVES   OF  THE   PROPHET. 
From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal. 

Yesterday  according  to  appointment,  my  friend 
came  over  and  said  if  agreeable  she  would  re- 
deem her  promise.  Said  she,  "You  will  natur- 
ally want  to  know  about  Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Angell 
Young,  the  first  living  and  legal  wife  of  the 
Prophet." 

She  is  a  native  of  New  York,  and  is  a  fine  look- 
ing, intelligent  woman.  She  is  large,  portly, 
and  dignified.  Her  hair  is  well  sprinkled  with 
the  frosts  of  age;  her  clear,  hazel  eyes  and  mel- 
ancholy countenance  indicate  a  soul  where  sorrow 
reigns  supreme.  She  has  been  very  much  at- 
tached to  her  husband,   and   his  infidelity  has 


MES.   YOUNQ.  201 

made  deep  inroads  upon  her  mind.  Her  deep- 
seated  melancholy  often  produces  flights  of  in- 
sanity, which  increase  with  her  declining  years. 

Bereft  of  her  husband's  society,  she  naturally 
clings  to  her  children,  of  whom  she  has  five: 
Joseph,  Brigham  A.,  John,  Alice  and  Luna. 
They  all  reside  with  her.  She  formerly  occupied 
the  "Bee  Hive  House,"  but  as  the  number  of  her 
husband's  wives  increased,  it  became  necessary 
that  additional  accommodations  should  be  fur- 
nished the  "plural"  portion  of  the  family.  The 
first  wife  was  obliged  to  vacate  her  residence  for 
the  benefit  of  new  comers.  She  was  removed  to 
a  great  barn-like  house  on  the  hill.  This  build- 
ing looks  more  like  a  penitentiary  than  anything 
else.  It  was  the  first  house  built  upon  the 
premises,  and,  as  before  stated,  is  very  deficient 
in  the  number  and  size  of  its  windows. 

Mrs.  Young  seldom  receives  guests,  and  her 
husband  himself,  scarcely  ever  pays  her  a  visit. 

When  I  looked  upon  this  poor,  suffering 
woman,  as  she  sat  at  church,  surrounded  by  her 
husband's  mistresses,  I  seemed  for  the  first  time 
fully  to  realize  the  true  character  of  that  "insti- 
tution" which  has  crushed  the  hearts  of  many 
noble  women. 

She  ib  very  kind  to  her  children  and  depend- 
ents, and  is  much    beloved    by    them.     She   had 


202        adveNtttres  iK  I^Hi:  far  west. 

not  succeeded  so  well  in  gaining  the  affection  of 
"the  wives."  With  them  she  is  very  unpopular, 
and  by  some  of  tliem  she  is  often  mocked  and 
upbraided.  .  It  is  said,  "one  hates  whom  he  has 
injured."  This  may  account  for  much  of  this 
feeling  among  the  ''plurals." 

Joseph,  or  Joe  Young,  as  he  is  familiarly 
known  in  Utah,  is  a  fast  young  man.  He  has 
been  on  a  "mission,"  travelled  in  Europe,  smokes, 
chews,  gets  drunk,  swears,  preaclies  the  gospel, 
has  three  wives  whom  he  whips  and  otherwise 
shamefully  abuses,  and  is  a  good  Mormon,  in  full 
fellowship  in  the  church.  While  at  a  fashionable 
watering  place,  at  Great  Salt  Lake,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1863,  he  insulted  a  gentile  lady.  The 
gentleman  who  accompanied  her  being  an  officer, 
promptly  knocked  him  down,  and  this  not  seem- 
ing to  be  satisfactory,  afterwards  challenged 
him.  Joseph's  friends  interfered  and  obtained  a 
settlement  of  the  difficulty. 

Brigham  A.  i§  more  respectable.  He  has  also 
been  en  a  "mission."  This  is  equivalent  to  say- 
ing that  he  has  been  wild  and  reckless,  as  it  is 
the  Mormon  custom  fco  send  all  who  are  unruly 
and  hard  to  manage,  or  who  have  committed 
crimes,  on  a  mission.  It  is  thought  that  by 
"bearing  the  pure  vessels  of  the  Lord"  to  such 
poor,  wicked  wretches  as  the  gentiles,   they  will 


A  COURTSHIP.  203 

perchance  theraselyes  become  purified. 

John,  being  the  youngest,  has  not  developed 
liis  tastes  so  fully.  He  seems  inclined  to  seek 
after  the  loaves  and  fishes  of  ofiice.  He  was 
Serjeant-at  Arms  of  the  Council  in  the  winter 
of  1863-64,  and  will  doubtless  be  a  member 
when  he  is  old  enough,  should  hife  father  then 
reign  in  Utah. 

Mrs.  Alice  Clawson  is  the  oldest  daughter. 
Rather  amiable,  with  fair  hair,  blue  eyes,  and 
small  in  stature.  She  is  one  of  the  performers 
in  her  father's  theatre.  As  an  artiste^  she  is 
"flat,  stale  and  unprofitable."  But  being  Brig- 
ham's  daughter  and  good  looking,  she  isa])plaud- 
ed  to  the  echo.  She  is  one  of  three  wives  'of 
Hiram  B.  Clawson,  who  is  the  Prophet's  chief 
business  agent  and  manager.  Quick,  shrewd 
and  unsenipulous,  he  is  a  fit  instrninont  with 
which  to  accomplish  the  purposes  of  such  a 
man. 

In  the  year  1851,  a  Mr.  Tobin  came  to  Salt 
Lake  with  Captain  Stansbury.  While  there  he 
met  Miss  Alice,  fell  in  love  with  her,  and  they 
were  engaged  to  be  married.  Mr.  T.  had  occa- 
sion to  leave  Salt  Lake  on  business,  and  did  not 
return  until  1856.  He  then  renewed  his  engage- 
ment with  Alice,  but  afterward,  for  reasons  r^at- 
isfactory   to   himself,   broke  it.     This  subjected 


204  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

him  to  the  vengeance  ol  her  father,  which 
never  slumbers.  Tobiu  and  his  party  were  fol- 
lowed, attacked  in  the  night,  on  Santa  Clara 
Kiver,  370  miles  south  of  Salt  Lake  City.  Sev- 
eral of  the  party  were  severely  wounded.  They 
lost  aix  horses  and  were  compelled  to  abandon 
their  baggage,  which  was  completely  riddled  by 
bullets.  During  Tobin's  absence,  Alice  had  been 
engaged  to  another,  who  had  been  sent  off  to  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  by  her  watchful  father.  Hi- 
ram B,  Clawson,  the  confidential  clerk  of  the 
President,  next  appeared  as  a  candidate  for  the 
young  lady's  hand.  He  had  already  one  wife, 
but  was  anxious  to  secure  a  second. 

A  little  incident  in  their  courtship,  will  illus- 
trate the  manner  of  obtaining  No.  2. 

'*Good  morning,  sister  Clawson,"  said  a  young 
friend  whom  she  met  in  walking. 

"What  do  you  wish  me  to  understand?" 

"Nothing  more  than  that  your  father  gave  his 
consent  this  morning,  in  my  presence,  to  your 
marriage  with  Hiram  Clawson." 

"This  matter  begins  to  be  serious,"  said  Alice, 
*'now  that  my  father  has  given  me  away  to  a 
man  that  has  one  wife  already,  and  is  courting 
another  beside  me,  both  of  them  much  hand- 
somer than  I  am." 

Hiram  was  nettled,  for  it  was  true  that  he  wai 


HIEAM   CONQUERS.  205 

courting  a  third  wife,  and  of  the  th7-ee  Alice  was 
the  least  beautiful,  She  then  proposed,  playful- 
ly, to  elope  with  an  old  gentleman,  a  friend  of 
the  family.  "I  would  do  so  "  she  said,  "before  I 
would  be  given  away  like  an  old  mule,  to  a  man 
who  already  has  one  wife,  and  is  seeking  for 
others." 

Yet  Alice,  though  doubtless  giving  expression 
to  the  sentiments  of  her  heart,  was  afterwards 
prevail  ed  upon,  and  consented  to  become  No.  2 
in  the  harem  of  Hiram  B.  Clawson.  Hiram  hav- 
ing commenced  at  a  much  earlier  age  than  his 
father-in-law,  may,  if  unchecked  in  his  career, 
yet  rival  him  in  the  number  of  his  wives  and  the 
extent  and  magnificence  of  his  "plural*'  estab- 
lishment. 

Luna  Young  is  a  character.  She  is  very  wilful 
and  headstrong.  She  always  governed  her  sister 
Alice,  and  even  her  father  could  not  control  this 
wayward  child. 

She  is  the  fourth  daughter  by  the  first  wife, 
two  having  died.  She  has  light  hair,  blue  eyes 
and  a  fair  complexion.  She  is  very  haughty  and 
beautiful.  Slender  as  the  gazelle,  and  free  and 
joyous  as  a  bird,  brooking  no  control,  she  was  the 
light,  and  often  tlie  annoyance  of  her  father's 
house  in  her  girlish  days.  She  is  now  married 
and  very  likely  will  become  amiable  and  docile, 


206     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST, 

nnder  Mormon  discipline. 

Lnej  Decker  Seely  is  the  first  wife  in  ''plural- 
ity,''— or  the  second  ''woman." 

Lucy  Decker  was  man  ied  to*  Isaac  Seelj  and 
had  two  children.  She  afterward  became  a  Mor- 
mon and  went  to  Nauvoo  to  reside.  Her  husband, 
Seely,  wHs  somewhat  dissipated,  but  t^-eated  her 
well.  She,  however,  saw  Brother  Brigham  and 
loved  him.  He  visited  her,  told  her  that  Seely 
could  never  give  her  an  "exaltation"  in  the  eter- 
nal world;  that  he,  being  high  in  the  priesthood^ 
conld  make  her  a  queen  in  the  first  resurrection. 

She  yielded  to  ihese  inducements  and  the 
promptings  of  her  inclination,  left  her  husband, 
and  was  sealed  to  Brigham  Young. 

Lucy  Decker  has  brown  hair,  dark  eyes,  small 
features,  a  fair  skin  and  of  short  stature;  but 
quite  en  hon  jpoint.  She  would  strongly  lemind 
you  of  a  JN'ew-England  housewife,  "fat,'  fair  and 
forty.''  In  common  with  nearly  all  the  inmates 
of  the  Harem,  she  is  of  very  ordinary  intellect' 
and  limited  education. 

Her  first  child,  after  marrying  Young,  was 
nMmed  Brigham  Heber,  and  was  the  first  born  in 
Mormon  polygamy.  He  is  now  a  lad  of  about 
eighteen  years  of  age. 

Lucy  Decker  is  still  one  of  the  favorite  wives. 
She  lives  in  the  Bee  Hive  and  keeps  a  sort  of 


A  MODEL  SON.  207 

boarding  house  for  tlie  work  hands.  She  has  had 
eight'  children  by  Brigham,  all  of  whom  are 
living.  A  story  is  told  which  illustrates  well 
the  disposition  and  character  of  these  polygamous 
children.  Brigham  Heber  was  in  the  habit  of 
playing  while  the  family  were  at  breakfast.  One 
morning,  after  breakfast  wbs  over,  this  boy,  then 
only  ten  or  twelve  years  of  age,  went  into  the 
kitchen  and  undertook  to  help  himself  to  any- 
thing he  could  find.  Mr.  Smith,  the  cook,  would 
not  permit  it.  Brigham  Heber  seized  a  fork 
and,  with  oaths  that  would  put  a  pirate  to  shame, 
swore  he  would  stab  the  cook.  Smith  caught 
him,  wrenched  the  fork  from  his  hand  and  pushed 
him  into  the  hall.  He  and  Oscar,  son  of  Harri- 
et Cook,  swore  they  wonld  kill  Smith  the  first 
time  they  should  catch  him  out. 

Clara  Decker,  sister  of  Lucy  Decker,  is  a  short, 
thick-set  person,  very  much  like  Lucy  in  appear- 
ance. She  is  much  more  intelligent  and  agree- 
able than  her  sister,  and  in  every  way  her  supe- 
rior. She  is  also  quite  a  favorite  with  the  Proph- 
et; has  three  or  four  children,  and  is  much  attach- 
ed to  her  "hutebaud." 

Harriet  Cook  was  early  in  plurality ;  having 
been  sealed  to  Brigham,  at  "Winter  Quai-ters," 
on  the  Missouri  River,  while  the  Mormons  were 
on  Uieir  way  to  Utah.     This  was  five  years  be- 


208     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

fore  polygamy  was  publicly  proclaimed  in  Utah 
as  a  divine  institution.  Harriet  is  very  tall,  has 
light  hair,  blue  eyes,  a  fair  complexion  and  sharp 
nose.  She  is  rather  slender,  but  has  much  power 
of  endurance  and  a  look  of  determination. 

When  all  is  going  on  smoothly,  she  is  as  calm 
and  serene  as  a  May  morning;  but  let  Brigham 
or  any  one  else  in  the  establishment  cross  her 
path,  and  the  blue  eyes  at  once  light  up  and  give 
evidence  of  a  coming  storm.  When  irritated 
and  aroused,  she  denounces  the  whole  Mormon 
religion,  including  polygamy,  and  says,  "the 
whole  thing  is  a  humbug  and  may  go  to  the  devil 
for  all  she  cares."  Br^ham,  though  a  stern  dis- 
ciplinarian, makes  good  his  escape,  at  such  times, 
and  the  'women'  all  keep  at  a  respectful  distance. 

When  she  is  in  a  religious  mood,  which  is  sel- 
dom the  case,  she  says,  "I  don't  profess  to  know 
much,  but  there  is  one  thing  I  do  understand, 
and  that  is  Mormonism.  Whenever  Brother 
Brigham,  (all  the  wives  call  him  Brother,)  goes 
behind  the  veil,  I  make  him  tell  me  what  he 
sees  and  hears  there.  I  mean  to  know  all  about 
it."  She  is  the  smartest  of  all  the  women.  She 
has  one  son  in  plurality,  named  Oscar.  He  is  a 
wild,  ugly  boy  and  curses  his  mother  ad  libitum. 
Bi-igham  cares  nothing  for  this  woman  and 
avoids  her  as  much  as  possible. 


J'LIRTING  WITH  THE  WIVES.  209 

Lucy  Bigelow  is  of  middling  stature,  has  dark 
brown  hair,  blue  eyes,  aquiline  nose  and  a  pretty 
mouth,  and  is  very  pleasant  and  affable.  She  is 
•  very  pretty  and  ladylike  in  the  ball  room,  but 
does  not  appear  to  so  good  advantage  in  the  nur- 
sery or  kitchen.  She  is  the  one  who  was  the  sub- 
ject of  a  well-turned  repartee  at  the  anniversary 
ball  in  Salt  Lake  City,  oil  the  24th  of  July,  1863. 

Governor  Harding,  having  danced  with  sev- 
eral of  the  wives  of  '"Governor"  Young,  became 
somewhat  enthusiastic  and  extravagant  in  his 
compliments,  aud  among  otiier  fine  sayings  he 
remarked  to  one  of  the  wives,  upon  leading 
her  on  to  the  floor,  "The  President  has  introduced 
several  of  his  wives  to  me  as  'Mrs.  Young,'  'Mrs. 
Young,'  'Mrs.  Yonng.'  As  well  might  the  as- 
tronomer point  me  to  the  stars  of  heaven,  with- 
out giving  me  their  names."  "Governor^  I 
understand  your  compliment  and  appreciate  it, 
The  name  of  this  particular  star  is  Lucy." 

She  has  but  little  influence  over  Brigham,  and 
he  seldom  visits  her. 

Twiss  has  sandy  hair,  inclined  to  curl,  round 
features,  blue  eyes,  low  forehead,  complexion 
fair,  face  somewhat  freckled.  She  is  short  and 
stout.  This  woman  makes  a  good  servant  and 
is  always  ready  to  wait  on  her  lord  and  master. 
She  prepares  his  linen  aud  is  content. 


210  ADVENTUEES   IN  THE  FAE   WEST. 

Martha  Bowker  is  low  in  stature,  with  black 
hair  and  eyes.  She  is  very  quiet.  Is  plain  and 
sensible;  neither  showy  nor  interesting.  Yery 
neat  in  dress,  very  ordinary  in  intellect  and  ac- 
quirements. She  is  of  few  words  and  rather 
quick  tempered.  Very  little  influence  over  the 
Prophet. 

Harriet  Barney  is  tall ,  slender  and  graceful. 
She  has  hazel  eyes,  light  brown  hair,  mild, sweet 
expression  of  countenance,  and  is  indeed  a  lovely 
^oman.  Her  character  is  as  beautiful  as  her  face, 
and  the  suffering  and  sorrowing  always  find  a 
friend  in  her.  She  is  patient  and  forbearing,  and 
would  rather  suffer  wrong  than  do  wrong.  Her 
kind  and  sympathetic  nature  and  excellent  char- 
acter, place  her  far  above  all  the  other  inmates  of 
the  Harem. 

Believing  in  polygamy,  she  left  her  husband, 
and  became  one  of  the  plural  wives  of  the 
President  of  the  church  in  which  she  believed. 
She  loves,  with  all  the  intensity  of  her  nature, 
him  for  whom  she  has  sacrificed  everything.  Of 
course,  she  deeply  feels  hi^  neglect,  but,  like  a 
true  woman,  complMin!^  not.  Having  sacrificed 
her  happiness  upon  the  altar  of  her  faith,  she 
continues  to  love,  to  endure  and  to  suffer. 

She  had  three  children  by  her  first  husband; 
none  since. 


PLURAL    WIVES.  211 

The  parents  of  Eliza  Burgess  resided  in  Man- 
chester, England,  and  came  to  Nauvoo  in 
the  early  days  of  Mormonism.  Soon  j-fter 
thej  both  died,  leaving  Eliza  an  orphan.  She 
was  thrown  upon  the  cold  charities  of  the  world, 
and  Brother  Brigham,  ever  the  friend  of  youth 
and  beauty,  took  her  into  his  family.  She  served 
seven  years  and  then  desired  to  marry  another. 
She  applied  to  Young  for  his  consent,  but  the 
Prophet  had  other  projects  inconsistent  in  their 
nature  with  the  proposed  marriage.  "Eliza,'"  he 
said,  "you  have  been  so  long  in  the  family  that 
I  need  you.  I  wish  to  marry  you  myself.  Will 
yon  not  be  my  wife?  Brother  S.  is  a  very  good 
man,  but  I  can  give  you  a  greater  exaltation.  I 
can  make  you  a  queen."  This  argument  was 
conclusive,  Eliza  gave  up  her  lover  and  married 
Brigham  Young. 

In  person  Eliza  is  small,  with  large  dark  eyes, 
dark  hair  and  dark  complexion.  She  is  quick 
tempered  and  is  of  the  class — English  servant 
girl.  She  is  the  only  one  of  the  Prophet's 
women  who  is  not  an  American.  She  has  several 
children. 

Ellen  Rockwood  is  of  medium  size,  slender, 
with  light  hair,  light  brown  eyea  and  lair  com- 
plexion. She  is  the  daughter  of  the  warden  (»f 
the  penitentiary,   who   is  a  regular  down   east 


212     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Yankee.  Ellen  is  rather  quiet,  even  tempered, 
but  quite  narrow  minded.  Her  health  is  poor 
and  she  spends  most  of  her  time  in  embroidery 
and  needlework.  She  has  no  children  and  per 
consequence,  very  little  influence  with  her  hus- 
band. He  calls  upon  her  in  her  little  room,  about 
once  in  six  months. 

Susan  Snively  is  a  middle  aged  woman,  of 
medium  size,  dark  hair,  light  eyes,  dark  com- 
plexion and  expressionless  face;  the  plainest  of 
all  the  women.  She  is  good  and  kind  in  her 
nature,  quiet  and  retiring.  She  spins  and  colors 
yarn,  and  is  a  good  housewife,  of  the  type — New 
England  farmer's  wife.  Having  no  children,  she 
adds  nothing  to  the  kingdom  and  glory  of  her 
husband,  and  is  estimated  accordingly. 

Jemima  Angell  is  the  sister  of  Mary  Ann,  the 
lawful  wife.  She  is  an  elderly  lady,  with  dark 
hair,  grey  eyes  and  pensive  countenance.  Of  low 
stature,  but  quite  robust.  Her  first  husband  died 
out  of  the  church  and  she  is  merely  sealed  to 
Young,  for  her  exaltation  in  another  state.  She 
lives  in  a  little  house  by  herself,  and  seldom  re- 
ceives a  visit  from  her  spiritual  husband. 

Margaret  Alley  is  short  and  small;  light  hair 
and  eyes,  rather  lengthened  features,  but  mild 
expression  of  countenance.  Being  much  neglec- 
ted by  her  husband,  she  became  ver^'  melauciiol  v, 


VILATF    DOLE.  218 

She  died  in  1853,  leaving  two  children. 

Margaret  Pierce  is  of  medium  height,  light 
hair,  and  blue  eyes,  sharp  nose  and  very  variable 
in  temper.  She  has  several  children,  but  not 
much  influence  with  her  husband. 

Mrs.  Hampton  is  very  tall  and  noble  in  ap- 
pearance, has  round  features,  large,  lustrous  eyes, 
dark  hair  and  fair  complexion.  She  was  early 
married  to  Mr.  Hampton,  by  whom  she  had  six 
children.  They  removed  to  [N^auvoo,  where 
Hampton  died.  Mrs.  Hampton  was  afterward 
sealed  to  Young. 

When  the  Mormons  were  driven  from  Nauvoo, 
Mrs.  Hampton  was  for  some  reason  left  behind. 
She  then  married  a  Mr.  Cole,  by  whom  she  had 
one  daughter,  named  Vilate.  When  this  child 
was  about  four  years  old,  Cole  went  to  Califor- 
nia. Young  then  sent  for  Mrs  .Hampton  to  come 
and  live  with  him.  She  obeyed,  and  became  a 
second  time  one  of  his  plural  wives.  During 
this  time  Cole  wrote  letters  frequently  and  sent 
her  his  likeness. 

About  this  time,  Feramorz  Little,  one  of 
Young's  nephews,  married  Julia  Hampton,  the 
daughter  of  Mrs.  H.  and  half  sister  to  Yilate 
Cole.  Mrs.  Hampton  lived  at  the  Harem  about 
eight  years  and  superintended  the  culinary  de- 
partment. Some  misunderstanding  having  arisen 


214  ADVENTUEES    IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

between  her  and  the  Prophet,  he  again  cast  her 
off.  It  is  said  that  she  was  unwilling  to  be  seal- 
ed over  the  altar  for  eternity  to  Young,  preferring 
her  first  husband  in  the  eternal  world. 

Yilate  is  now  about  fourteen  years  old,  beautiful 
and  accomplished.  She  and  Brigham  Heber 
were  engaged  to  be  married,  but  his  father  dis- 
approved the  match  and  laid  a  plan  to  defeat  it. 
In  the  fall  of  1863,  Feramorz  Little  sent  for 
A'^ilate  to  come  down  to  the  city,  and  proposed 
to  have  her  board  with  him  and  attend  school. 
His  real  object  was  to  secure  her  for  his  fourth 
wife  and  at  the  same  time  prevent  her  marrying 
the  son  of  the  President.  During  all  this  time 
the  girl  frequently  inquired,  with  much  anxiety, 
about  her  father. 

In  1863,  Cole  enlisted  in  the  2d  Eegiment  of 
Infantry,  Nevada  Yolunteers,  and  came  td  Salt 
Lake  City  expressly  for  the  purpose  of  finding 
his  daughter.  After  much  inquiry,  he  ascertaiucjd 
where  his  wife  and  child  were  living  and  wrote 
a  letter  to  Yilate.  The  mother  received  the 
letter,  read  it  and  put  it  into  the  fire.  Thus  the 
matter  rested,  until  Yilate  came  into  the  city. 
One  day  she  said  to  her  sister  Julia,  (Mrs.  Little,) 
"Would  it  not  be  strange  if  my  father  was 
among  the  soldiers?"  Said  Julia,  ''He  is.  Didn't 
you  know  it'i  Nephi  told  me  ail  about  it."  This 


FATHER  AND  DAUGHTER.  215 

gave  her  new  courage,  and  thenceforth  she  made 
everj  effort  to  see  her  lather.  For  some  time 
she  was  closelj  watched  and  Cole,  who  had  found 
where  she  was,  was  denied  admission  to  her;  but 
the  girl's  resolution  remaining  firm,  Little  fear- 
ing she  would  leave  him,  finally  permitted  an 
interview.  The  happy  meeting  of  the  father 
with  his  only  child,  after  an  absence  of  eleven 
years,  who  shall  describe?  Cole  still  remains  in 
Utah,  devoted  to  his  daughter,  whom  he  visits 
frequently,  and  is  not  without  hope  of  getting 
her  away  from  her  unfortunate  associations.  The 
task  is  a  delicate  and  difficult  one,  and  in  his 
efforts  to  accomplish  it  he  has  the  sympathy  of 
every  father. 

Mary  Bigelow  was  sealed  to  Young  at  *' Winter 
QnaFters,"  and  came  on  with  him  to  Utah.  Af- 
ter a  time  she  left  the  Harem,  and  what  became 
of  hpr  is  unknown. 

FBOXY  WOMEN, 

This  is  a  common  term  in  Utah,  and  signifies 
that  a  woman  is  married  to  one  man  for  "time,** 
and  sealed  to  another  for  eternity. 

All  her  children  belong  to  the  man  to  whom 
•he  is  sealed,  no  matter  which  may  be  their  fa- 
ther, or  whether  the  mother  ever  married  the  ce- 
lestial husband  in  *'time."  This  is  a  refinement 
upon  the  Jewish  doctrine,  which  required  a  man 


216     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

to  ^'raise  up  children  to  his  dead  brother." 

Of  this  class  of  women  Brigham  Young  has. 
four,  all  of  whom,  while  they  live  with  him  for 
"time,"  are  sealed  to  Josei)h  Smith  for  eternity, 
and  to  Joseph  must  they  be  delivered  over,  with 
their  children,  in  the  first  resurrection. 

Miss  Eliza  Roxy  Snow  is  of  middling  stature, 
dark  hair,  well  silvered  with  gray;  dark  eyes, 
noble,  intelligent  countenance  and  quiet,  digni- 
fied manner.  She  is  the  most  intellectual  of  the 
women. 

Her  literary  taste  and  acquirements  are  good, 
and  she  has  composed  some  very  creditable 
hymns  for  the  church  of  which  she  is  a  consci- 
entious and  devoted  member.  A  volume  of  her 
poems  has  also  been  published,  some  of  which 
evince  genius  of  a  high  order. 

She  is  quite  exclusive  in  her  tastes  and  associ- 
ates but  little  with  the  women.  She  occupies  a 
small  room  on  the  third  floor  of  the  Harem, 
about  twelve  by  fifteen  feet  in  size.  A  neat  carpet 
covers  the  floor;  a  common  bedstead  occupies  one 
corner.  There  are  some  oak  chairs  grained,  with 
crochet  covers,  white  window-curtains  and  bed- 
spread, her  "own  handiwoi'k."  Behind  the  door 
is  a  neat  little  wardrobe.  On  a  shelf  over  the 
window  stands  a  vase  of  artificial  flowers.  A 
stand,  covered  with  books,  usually  occupies  the 


THE   SWEET   SINGER.  217 

centre   of  the  room,  and  these  articles,  with  a 
neat  little  stove,  make  up  the  furniture. 

This  is  the  home  of  "the  sweet  singer  of  Israel." 
She  has  cast  the  charm  of  her  genius  over  the 
rude  materials,  and  there  is  an  air  of  comfort, 
neatness  and  refinement  about  her  little  sanctum 
which  is  not  apparent  in  any  other  portion  of  the 
house.  Here  she  receives  and  entertains  her 
company.  She  occupies  her  time  chiefly  in  writ- 
ing, and  in  needle  work.  She  is  highly  respected 
by  the  family,  who  call  her  "one  of  the  nobles  of 
the  earth."  When  tired  of  writing  and  study, 
she  walks  out  and  visits  her  friends.  If  any  one 
is  sick  in  the  house  she  looks  after  the  invalid 
and  shows  every  kindness  and  attention.  She 
soothes  the  afflicted  and  cares  for  the  infirm  and 
aged.  She  and  Zina  D.  Huntington  are  the  naost 
lady  like  and  accomplished  of  the  wives. 

The  following  verses,  written  by  Eliza  R.  Snow 
will  show  her  style,  as  well  as  the  religious  fer- 
vor and  fanaticism  for  which  she  is  remarkable. 
For.the  Bef^ret  Jsewh. 

''Tht  Ladies  of  Utah,  to  the  Ladies  of  the  Umited  StaUi 
Camp,  in  Crusade  against  the  M-^m^ns. 

MISS  ELIZA  R.  SNOW. 

Why  are  you  in  these  mountains, 

Exposed  to  frosts  and  snows? 
Far  from  your  sheltering  houses, 

From  comfort  and  repose  ? 


218  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAE    WEST. 

Has  cruel  persecution, 

With  unrelenting  hand, 
Thrust  you  from  home  and  kindred, 
And  from  your  native  land  ? 

Have  you  been  robbed  and  pliindOTed, 

Till  you  are  penniless, 
And  then  in  destitution 

Driven  to  the  wilderness? 

No,  no ;  you've  joined  a  crusade 
Against  the  peace  of  those 

Driven  to  these  distant  valleys 
By  cruel,  murderous  foes. 

Amid  the  dreary  desert, 
Where  hideous  red  men  roam; 

Where  beasts  of  prey  were  howling, 
We've  made  ourselves  a  home. 

Can  woman's  heart  be  callous, 
And  made  of  flint  and  steel? 

Perhaps  you'll  learn  to  pity, 
When  you  are  made  to  feel. 

Should  sickness  prey  upon  yon, 
And  children  cry  for  bread, 

With  bitter  self-reproaches 
You'll  rue  the  path  you  tread. 

We  love  with  purest  feelings, 
Our  husbands,  children,  friends; 

We've  learned  to  prize  the  blessings 
Which  God  in  mercy  sends. 

We  have  the  ancient  order 

To  us  by  prophets  given. 
And  here  we  have  the  pattern 

As  tb  ings  exist  in  heaven. 


MORE    PLURAL    WIVES.  219 

We'd  fain  from  human  suffering 

Each  barbed  arrow  draw, 
But  yet  self-presevvation 

Is  God's  and  Nature*s  law. 

The  Scriptures  are  fulfilling, 

The  spoiler's  being  spoiled; 
All  Satan's  foul  devices 

'Gainst  Zion  will  be  foiled. 
Great  8 xlt  Lake  City,  Oct.  13,  lh57." 

Zina  D.  Huntingdon  Jacobs  is  of  large  form 
well  proportioned,  high  forehead,  with  light  hair 
and  eyes.  She  is  of  a  melancholy  temperament, 
as  is  plainly  indicated  by  the  expression  of  her 
countenance.  She  has  three  children  and  has 
charge  of  the  children  of  Clara  Chase. 

Zina  has  some  literary  ability,  and  sometimes 
writes  poetry.  She  has.  a  special  office  in  the 
family  which  is  to  act  as  governess  lor  all  the 
young  ladies,  accompanying  them  in  their  atten- 
dance to  singing  schools  and  other  public  places. 
Zina  came  to  Utah  with  her  husband.  Dr.  Jacobs. 
Young  became  attached  to  her,  sent  the  Doctor 
on  a  mission,  and  in  his  absence  appro])riated  to 
himself  the  wife  and  children.  Dr.  Jacobs  is 
•till  in  California,  and  is  an  "apostate."  Zina 
stands  in  great  awe  of  Brigham,  who  treats  her 
with  marked  coldness  and  neglect. 

Amelia  Partridge  is  rather  tall,  with  a  fine 
form,  black  hair,  dark  eyes,  dark  compleidon, 


220  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

sweet  expression  of  countenance,  and  very  mild 
and  amiable  in  disposition.  She  and  her  sister 
Eliza  had  been  servants  in  the  family  of  Joseph 
Smith,  in  Naiivoo. 

Amelia  has  four  children,  to  whom  she  is  de- 
votedly attached.  She  is  a  kind  and  gentle 
mother,  patient  and  forgiving,  one  of  the  excel- 
lent ones  of  earth.  She  takes  but  little  intei-est 
in  family  matters,  outside  of  the  circle  of  her 
own  children. 

Mrs.  Augusta  Cobb  is  a  native  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  formerly  resided  in  Boston.  She  is  a 
large,  fine-looking  person,  dark  hair,  gray  eyes 
and  clear  complexion.  She  is  very  stylish  in 
appearance  and  of  dignified  demeanor.  She  was 
converted  to  Mormonism  at  Boston,  fifteen  years 
ago,  left  her  husband  and  a  very  interesting 
family  of  children,  and  with  one  little  girl, 
Charlotte,  came  to  Utah  and  took  up  her  residence 
at  the  Harem,  as  a  plural  wife  of  Brigham  Young. 

She  is  high  spirited  and  imperious.  She  once 
returned  to  her  family  in  Boston  and  remained 
two  years,  but  was  too  deeply  involved  in  the 
meshes  of  Mormonism  to  be  satisfied  away 
from  Z ion,  and  again  returned  to  Salt  Lake.  She 
now  lives  in  a  neat  little  cottage  near  the  Lion 
House  and  is  supported  by  Young.  Her  son, 
James  Cobb,  after  finishing  his  course  of  study 


OLAEA   CHASE,  221 

in  the  East,  came  to  Salt  Lake,  and  after  some 
years,  through  the  influence  oi  his  mother,  joined 
the  church.  Previous  to  becoming  a  Mormon, 
he  expressed  much  anxiety  about  his  mother  and 
sister  Charlotte,  now  an  interesting  young  lady, 
and  used  many  arguments  and  entreaties  to  in- 
duce them  to  leave,  but  finally  himself  yielded 
to  the  seductive  influences  which  .surrounded 
him. 

Mrs.  Smith  is  an  elderly  woman  who  admired 
Brother  Biigham  very  much  and  desired  to  be 
t^ealed  to  him,  to  insure  her  salvation.  Young 
did  not  reciprocate  her  sentiments  toward  him, 
but  compromised  the  matter  by  sealing  her  to 
Joseph  Smith  for  eternity,  and  to  himself  for 
time.  After  this  ceremony  had  been  performed, 
he  committed  her  to  the  care  of  the  Bishop  of 
the  ward  directing  him  to  support  her. 

There  are  many  of  this  class  of  women  in  the 
Tei'iitorv. 

Clara  Chase  was  of  medium  height,  dark  hair 
and  eyes,  rather  sullen  expression  of  countenance, 
low  forehead  and  features  indicative  of  deep-seat- 
ed melancholy.  When  Young  married  her,  he 
treated  her  with  marked  "  consideration.  He 
assigned  to  her  an  elegant  apartment,  in  which 
hung  the  only  oil  painting  of  himself  She  from 
the  first  distrusted  the  principle  of  polygamy, 


222     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

and  had  many  misgivings  of  conscience  in  regard 
to  her  course  in  marrying  the  Prophet. 

For  a  time  she  lived  in  this  way,  in  a  strait 
between  two  opinions.  When  her  husband 
treated  her  kindly,  she  tried  to  be  happy,  but 
when  he  was  cold  and  unfeeling  toward  her,  she 
was  driven  well-nigh  to  desperation.  In  the 
mean  time  she  had  four  children,  two  of  whom 
are  now  living.  They  are  bright  and  intelligent 
girls,  fourteen  and  sixteen  years  of  age. 

As  she  approached  her  fourth  confinement 
her  fits  of  remorse  became  more  frequent  and 
more  terrible.  She  repreached  herself  \\  ith  hav- 
ing committed  the  unpardonable  sin.  Her 
condition  was  truly  pitiable.  During  her  sickness 
Brigham  treated  her  with  so  much  coldness  and 
neglect  that  she  became  actually  insane  and  raved 
incessantly, —"Oh,  1  have  committed  the  unpar- 
donable sin !  Oh,  warn  my  poor  children  not  to 
follow  my  bad  example.  I  am  going  to  hell. 
Brigham  has  caused  it.  ,  Oh!  do  uot  any  ot  you 
go  into  polygamy.  It  will  curse  you  and  damn 
your  souls  eternally."  When  her  husband  aj»- 
peared,  she  cursed  him  as  the  author  of  her 
destruction. 

The  "President"  and  his  two  "counsellors" 
*'laid  hands"  on  her,  but  all  of  no  avail.  Dr. 
Sprague,  the  family  physician,  was  sent  for  j  but 


A  RAVING   MANIAa  228 

her  poor  wrecked  spirit  would  no  longer  abide 
where  it  had  suffered  so  much,  and  she  died  a 
raving  maniac. 

Amelia  Folsom  is  a  native  of  Portsmouth,  N. 
H.  She  is  tall  and  well  formed,  with  light  hair, 
grey  eyes  and  regular  ieatures  She  is  quite 
pale,  owing  to  ill  health.  Has  but  little  refine- 
ment of  manner.  When  at  the  theatre,  sitting 
in  the  King's  box,  with  her  husband,  the 
ubserved  of  all  observers,  she  may  be  seen  eating 
apples,  throwing  the  skins  about,  chatting  with 
Brigham  and  occasionally  levelling  her  glass  at 
some  one  in  the  assenibly. 

She  plays  and  sings,  but  with  indifferent  skill, 
and  laste.  She  was,  for  a  long  time,  unwilling 
to  marry  the  President,  but  he  continued  his 
suit  with  a  pertinacity  worthy  of  a  better  cause, 
and  by  repeated  promises  of  advancement  made 
to  herself  and  her  parents,  finally  succeeded. 
For  several  months  he  had  urged  his  suit,  during 
which  time  his  carriage  might  be  seen,  almost 
any  day,  standing  at  her  father's  door,  for  hours 
at  a  time.  He  told  her  she  was  created  express- 
ly for  himself  and  could  marry  no  one  else  on 
pain  of  everlasting  destruction.  She  pleaded, 
protested  and  wept,  but  he  persevered,  and  at 
length,  when  all  other  arguments  failed,  he  told 
her  he  had  received  a  special  revelation  from 


224  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Heaven  on  the  subject.  She  had  always  believed 
in  Mormonism,  and  had  been  taught  to  have 
faith  in  revelation,  "Amelia,"  he  said,  "you 
must  be  my  wife;  God  has  revealed  it  to  me. 
You  cannot  be  saved  by  any  one  else.  If  you 
marry  me  I  will  save  you  and  exalt  you  to  be 
a  queen  in  the  celestial  world,  but  if  you  refuse. 
you  will  be  destroyed,  both  soul  and  body. 

The  poor  girl  believed  this  hellish  iniposter 
and  yielding  to  his  wishes,  became  his  wife.  For 
several  months  after  her  marriage,  Amelia  was 
sad  and  dejected,  but  of  late  she  has  rallied  and 
now  appears  the  gayest  of  the  gay.  This  mar- 
riage took  place  on  the  29th  of  January,  1863, 
more  than  six  months  after  the  passage  by 
Congress  of  the  anti-polygamy  law,  and  was 
public  and  notorious.  Here  was  perpetrated,  in 
one  act,  the  double  crime  of  destroying  forever 
the  happiness  of  a  young  lady  and  setting  before 
his  people  the  example  of  an  open  violation  of 
the  law  of  the  land.  Yet  for  both  crimes  he 
goes  unpunished  and  continues  to  sit  in  his  chair 
of  state,  clothed  in  authority  and  power,  not  only 
the  wonder,  but  the  admiration,  of  thousands 
outside  of  the  Mormon  church! 

Amelia  is  evidently  living  under  constraint 
and  acting  an  assumed  character.  She  is  playing* 
the  roU  of  a  happy  wife,  witl^  £^  breaking  heart. 


AMELIA.  225 

At  the  time  of  her  marrisge,  her  heart  had  been 
given  to  another,  to  whom  she  should  have  been 
married.  Tiiat  she  compromised  her  character, 
in  marrying  Yonng  nnder  the  circnmstar.cee.  is 
a  fact  too  notorious  to  be  concealed,  and  this 
connection  has  brought  more  odium  upon  polyg- 
auiy  than  any  the  President  ever  formed. 

Kevertheless,  Amelia  stands  the  recognized 
Qneen  of  the  Harem.  She  leads  the  fashion, 
and  is  the  model  woman  for  the  saints.  Thou- 
sands bow  low  as  she  passes,  and  think  themselves 
happy  to  receive  her  passing  recognition.  She 
is  now  a  qneen  and  is  to  be  a  goddess  in  the 
celestial  world.  The  new  wife  sometimes  becomes 
restive  and  impatient,  and  treats  her  liege  lord 
rather  shabbily.  She  is  at  times  notional  and 
imperious  and  somewhat  coquettish,  to  all  of 
which  her  husband  submits  with  good  grace  for 
the  present  and  pets  her  as  a  child. 

The  Bee  Hive  House,  formerly  occupied  by 
Mrs.  Young  aud  her  family,  has  been  vacated  for 
Amelia.  Servants  are  at  her  disposal  and  her 
establishment  is  extensive  and  imposing. 

Brigham  spends  much  of  his  time  with  his 
new  wife  and  often  dines  with  her.  One  evening 
a  friend  was  taking  tea  with  the  newly-married 
couple.  Amelia  behaved  quite  naughtily  toward 
her  lord.     After  tea  was  finished,  they  remained 


226     ADTENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

at  the  table,  eating  nnts  and  confectioneries. 
Amelia  threw  her  shells  through  an  open  win- 
dow, on  the  other  side  of  the  room.  Her  husband 
said,  "Amelia,  don't  do  that;  pnt  your  shells  by 
your  plate."  "I  shan't  do  it  ,"  replied  the  fair 
one;  "I'll  tlirow  them  where  I  please."  Young 
v/as  silent  for  a  time,  but  became  so  annoyed 
that  he  again  said,  "ximelia,  I  wish  you  would'nt 
do  tliat  an  J  more."  "I  don't  care,"  replied  the 
spouse  pettishly,  "I'll  throw  the  shells  where  I 
please,  and  I'll  do  as  I  ])le;(se,  and  you  may  help 
yourself."  And  pulling  her  guest  by  the  dress, 
she  said;  "Come,  let's  go  up  stairs  and  let  him 
grunt  it  out." 

The  theatre  was  dedicated  by  prayer  and  a 
grand  ball.  This  was  in  the  winter  of  1862-63. 
Brigham  Icdojff  in  the  dance  with  Amelia,  and 
all  was  smiles  and  sunshine.  On  another  occa- 
sion, he  honored  another  one  of  the  women  with 
his  hand  for  the  first  cotillion.  This  so  displeased 
Amelia,  that  she  refused  to  dance  with  him  at 
all.  He  coaxed,  she  shrugged  her  shoulders,  and 
shook  her  head.  It  was  only  after  much  conde- 
Bcension  and  solicitation  on  his  part,  that  she  so 
far  granted  him  forgiveness  as  to  consent  to  dance 
with  him.  This  gay  Lothario  of  sixty- three  then 
led  forth  his  blusliing  mistress,  and  "all  went 
merry  as  a  marriage  bell," 


Amelia's  lovers.  227 

Amelia  has  lovers  still,  for  one  of  whom  she 
entertains  considerable  feeling.  He  was  sent  to 
"Dixie,"  the  cotton  country,  in  Southern  Utah, 
on  a  mission.  He  soon  returned,  however,  to 
Salt  Lake  City,  and  caused  Brigham  a  good  deal 
of  anxiety. 

Amelia  is  tyrannical,  and  rules  the  women  of 
the  llarem  with  a  strong  hand.  They  may  rave, 
repine,  or  "cry  their  eyes  out,"  but  so  long  as 
Amelia  is  Queen  ot  Brigbam's  heart,  it  will  do 
no  good. 

Mrs.  Emeline  Free  Young  has  been  very  mel- 
ancholy since  Brigham  married  Amelia. 

When  the  Prophet  "took"  Amelia,  poor  Eme- 
line was  heart-broken.  She  was  taken  very  sick 
and  her  life  was,  for  a  long  time  despaired  of 

From  her  "sister«"  she  received  no  sympathy. 
The  bitter  cup  which  they  had  been  obliged  to 
drink,  was  now  commended  to  her  own  lips. 

From  the  confiding  and  happy  wife,  she  has  be- 
come the  rejected  and  sufi:ering  mistress,  and 
m  ust  now  drag  out  the  remainder  of  her  days, 
a  faded,  cast  off  woman.  And  Amelia,  what  of 
her?  She  too,  will  soon  take  her  place  by  the 
side  of  Emeline,  and  other  and  younger  women 
take  the  place  sbe  now  occupies,  and  in  their  or- 
der be  cast  off,  to  suffer  with  her. 

"In  fact,"  said  my  friend  "all  the  women  are 


228     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

miserable  and  unhappy.  It  is  a  common  remark 
in  reply  to  the  usual  salutation,  "Oh,  I've  got  the 
blues  to-day." 

Will  not  Amelia  soon  begin  to  lose  her  influ- 
ence over  the  Prophet  and  he  be  seeking  "other 
worlds  to  conquer,"  I  said  to  my  friend? 

She  laughingly  said, — "Oh,  then  you  hav'nt 
heard  the  latest  uev^^s.  Brother  Brigham  is  pay. 
ing  very  particular  atteiltion  to  a  charming  lady 
whom  you  know, — Miss  Selima  Ursenbach." 

How  does  the  haughty  Amelia  like  that? 

"Oh,  she  is  very  much  depressed,  but  she  is  so 
proud  and  unfeeling  that  nobody  i^  :  orry  forher. 
Would  you  like  to  hear  Miss  Ursen bach's  histo- 
ry V  Most  assuredly,  I  replied,  and  she  went  on : 
"Miss  Selima  Ursenbach  is  a  native  of  Geneva, 
Switzerland,  and  with  her  parents  and  brother 
came  to  Utah  in  the  fall  of  1862.  She  is  an  ac- 
complished musician,  and  at  once  became  a 
favorite  with  the  Mormons.  Several  concerts 
were  given,  at  which  she  figured  as  prima  donna, 
and  although  she  sang  in  French,  the  melody  of 
her  voice  and  the  artistic  character  of  her  music 
gained  for  her  an  established  reputation. 

Brigham  heard  and  was  delighted.  Her  voice 
was  music  to  his  ravished  ear,  and  for  the  thirtieth 
time,  the  little  god  let  slip  his  arrow,  and 
launched  it  into  the  Prophet's  heart. 


JTALLING   IN   LOVE.  229 

Says  a  celebrated  writer: 

"Now  there  are  various  ways  of  getting  in  love.  A  man 
falls  in  love  just  as  he  falls  down  stairs.  It  is  an  accident- 
But  when  he  runs  in  love,  it  is  as  when  he  runs  in  debt:  it 
is  done  knowingly,  intentionally  and  very  often  rashly  aid 
foolishly,  even  if  not  ridiculously,  miserably  and  ruinouslj'. 
"The  rarest  and  happiest  marriages  are  between  those  who 
have  grown  in  love.  Take  the  description  of  such  a  love 
in  its  rise  and  progress,  ye  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands 
who  have  what  is  called  a  taste  for  poetry.  Take  it  in  the 
sweet  words  of  one  of  the  sweetest  and  tenderest  of  Eng- 
lish poets,  and  then  say  whether  this  is  not  the  way  that 
leadp  to  happiness  and  bliss. 

"  *Ah!  I  remember  well  [and  how  can  I 

But  evermore  remember  well]  when  first 

Our  flame  began ;  when  scarce  we  knew  what  was 

The  flame  we  felt.    When  as  we  sat  and  sighed, 

And  looked  upon  each  other,  and  conceived 

Not  what  we  ailed, — ^yet  something  we  did  ail ; 

And  yet  were  well,  and  yet  we  were  not  well; 

And  what  was  our  disease,  we  could  not  tell. 

Then  would  we  kiss,  then  sign,  then  look;  and  thus. 

In  that  first  garden  ef  our  simpleness. 

We  spent  our  childhood.     But  when  years  began 

To  reap  the  fruit  of  knowledge,  ah,  then 

Would  she  with  graver  looks,  with  sweet,  stern  brow, 

Check  my  presumption,  and  my  forwardness; 

Yet  still  would  give  me  flowers,  still  would  me  show 

What  she  would  have  me,  yet  not  have  me  know." 

Is  it  possible  I  said  that  a  man  past  60,  conid 
become  so  infatuated  with  a  young  girl  as  Brig- 
ham  is  said  to  have  been   with  Selima? 

"Oh.  yes,"  replied  my  friend  "it  has  been  the 


230    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

talk  of  the  church  for  several  months.  Many  of 
the  more  sensible  have  severely  censured  Broth- 
er Brigham." 

The  same  author,  whose  beautiful  lines  you 
quote,  has  somewhere  said  that, — 

"Falling  in  love,  and  running  in  love,  are,  as  everybody 
knows,  common  enough,  and  yet  less  so  than  what  I  shall 
call  catching  love.  Where  the  love  itself  is  imprudent,  that 
is  to  say,  where  there  is  some  just,  prudential  cause  or  im- 
pediment why  the  two  parties  should  not  be  joined  together 
in  holy  matrimony,  there  is  culpable  imprudence  in  calch- 
ing  it,  because  danger  is  always  to  be  apprehended,  which 
may  have  been  avoided. " 

My  friend  smiling  said,  "your  quotation  is  apt, 
for  it  is  plain  to  be  seen,  our  Prophet  did  not 
walk  into  love — he  did  not  run  into  it.  He 
caught  it,  as  a  man  catches  the  measles.  It 
broke  out  and  showed  itself  all  over,  in  smiles, 
•bows  and  sweet,  honeyed  tones.  It  is  also  plain 
that  he  should  not  have  caught  it.  Had  he  not 
the  charming  Amelia,  dear  Emeline,  sweet 
Lucy,  pretty  Twiss,  his  darling  Lucy  No.  2,  meek 
Zina,  poetic  Eliza,  and  his  dear,  dear  Jemima, 
Martha,  Ellen,  Susan,  Hattie,  etc.,  etc.  How 
could  any  man,  much  less  a  prophet,  wish  for 
more? 

But  he  said  to  himself,  "I  have  not  a  French 
lady  in  the  family  to  teach  my  daughters  that 
charming  language.  I  have  no  prima  donna  to 
conduct  their  musical  education.     Then  my  last 


SBLIMA.  231 

love — my  pretty,  naughty  bewitching  Amelia — 
is  so  cross  and  fretful,  she  leads  me  such  a  crazy 
life,  she  frets  and  scolds,  and  I  cannot  drown  her 
voice,  even  with  my  ''sacred  fiddle."  [He  has 
frequently  boasted  that  with  his  violin  he  could 
put  a  stop  to  the  scolding  of  any  of  his  women.] 

"Then  my  French  lady  is  accomplished.  She 
can  receive  my  foreign  guests.  She  is  so  clever 
that  she  can  assist  me  in  my  business  projects 
and  plans;  and  if  she  should  prove  unkind — 
which  God  grant  she  may  not — I  should  have  a 
great  advantage — 1  could  not  understand  her. 
Then  her  name — Selimal  How  poetical.  None 
of  my  wives  have  such  a  poetical  name.  "With 
her  in  my  Harem.  I  could  rival  the  Sultan  him- 
self. Yes,  sweet  adored  Selima,  you  shall  be 
mine.  You  shall  be  the  high  priestess  of  my 
afiections,  and  all  my  common  women  shall  serve 
you." 

The  Prophet  plead  his  suit,  but  Selima  was 
like  stone.  He  had  a  young  man  in  his  employ 
who  dared  to  love  Selima.  The  rival  lovers  met 
face  to  face.  The  Prophet  was  furious.  "She  is 
not  for  you,  sir,  she  is  not  for  you.  Leave  my 
rervice,  and  never  dare  to  aspire  to  that  young 
lady's  hand  again." 

Alas,  that  love  so  devoted,  so  pure  and  disin- 
terested as  Brigham's,  should  fail  to  be  rewarded 


282     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

by  the  object  of  its  choice.  But  no  sooner  had 
the  poor  singing  master,  for  such  he  was,  left  the 
Territory  for  California,  than  anotlier  rival  ap- 
peared in  the  field — a  California  volunteei — 
a  dangerous  rival;  one  who  would  not  fear  to 
follow  up  any  advantage  he  might  gain  over  his 
spiritual  competitor. 

To  destroy  the  romance  of  the  whole  story, 
Selima,  charming  but  sensible  Selima,  becoming 
disgusted  with  the  whole  affair,  soon  after  left 
for  Switzerland  again,  leaving  her  lovers  to  settle 
the  matter  among  themselves. 


,     CHAPTER  XXL 


THE   SECRET   ORDERS. 

From  Mr.  Burlingame's  Journal. 

We  were  sitting  around  a  cheerful  open  fire  a 
tew  evenings  ago,  when  we  heard  a  hesitating 
step  on  the  front  porch  and  afterwards  a  faint 
rap  at  the  door.  I  arose  and  opened  the  dooi- 
and  a  man,  rather  poorly  clad,  and  apparently  in 
great  distress,  entered.  I  told  him  to  be  seated 
and  to  feel   that  he  was    safe,  among  friends. 

This  seemed  to  reassure  him,  and  as  he  became 
more   comfortable   he   seemed   inclined  to  talk. 

Mrs.    Barlingame- brought   in  coffee  and  re- 


234     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

freshments,  for  we  had  many  times  before  shel- 
tered and  fed  those  who  we)'e  fleeing  from  Brig- 
ham's   wrath.     This   man  was  an   "apostate." 

Ho  believed  Brigham  to  be  a  false  Proplujt 
and  had  embraced  the  doctrines  of  Joseph  Mor- 
ris whom  he  held  to  be  the  "True  Prophet  of  the 
Lord." 

I  asked  him  if  this  was  the  first  "apostasy" 
from  Brigham  since  the  founding  of  that  Church, 

He  replied  that  there  had  been  one  other 
known  as  the  "Gladdenites."  "How  did  the 
Church   authorities   get  rid  of  them?"  I  asked. 

"In  the  usual  way,  by  persecution  and  death." 

"This  first  apostasy,"  he  continued,  "was 
headed  by  Gladden  Bishop  in  1852-53,  and  his 
followers  were  called  Gladdenites.  If  you  want 
to  see  how  they  were  handled  I  will  show  you  a 
sermon  preached  by  Brigham  Young."  With 
this  he  produced  from  an  old  pocket-book  a  piece 
of  newspaper  yellow  with  age.  The  following 
extracts  will  show  the  animus  of  the  whole: 

"I  will  ask,  What  has^  produced  your  persecutions  and 
sorrow?  "What has  been  the  start iiiL-'-point  of  all  your  afflic- 
tions ?  They  began  with  apostates  in  your  midst;  those  dis- 
affected spirits  caused  others  to  come  in,  worse  than  tliey. 
who  would  runout  and  bring  in  all  the  devils  they  possibly 
conld.  That  has  been  the  starting-point  and  grand  cause  of 
all  our  difficulties,  every  time  we  were  driven.  I  am  com- 
ing to  this  place, -I  am  coming  nearer  home. 


FATE  OF   APOSTATES.  235 

.    .    .    "Do  we  Bee  apostates  among  us  now?    We  do. 

"When  a  man  comes  right  out  like  an  independent  devil, 
and  says,  *Damn  Mormonism  and  all  the  Mormons.'  and  is 
off  with  himself  to  California,  I  say  he  is  a  gentleman  by 
the  side  of  a  nasty,  sneaking  apostate,  who  is  opposed  to 
nothing  but  Christianity.  I  say  to  the  former,  'Go  in 
peace,  sir,  and  prosper  if  you  can.'  But  we  have  a  set  of 
spirits  here,  worse  than  such  a  character.  When  I  went 
from  meeting  last  Sabbath,  my  ears  were  saluted  with  an 
apostate,  crying  in  the  streets  here.  I  want  to  know  if  any 
one  of  you  who  has  got  the  spirit  of  Mormonism  in  you  would 
say 'Let  us  hear  both  sides  of  the  question.  Let  us  listen 
and  prove  all  things.'  What  do  you  want  to  prove?  Do 
you  want  to  prove  that  an  old  apostate,  who  has  been 
cut  off  from  the  church  thirteen  times  for  lying,  is  anything 
worthy  of  notice?  1  heard  that  a  certain  picture-dealer  in 
this  city,  when  the  boys  would  have  moved  away  the  wag- 
on in  which  this  apostate  was  standing,  became  violent  with 
them,  saying,  'Let  this  man  alone;  these  are  saints  that  you 
are  persecuting.'    [Sneeringly.] 

**We  want  such  men  to  go  to  California,  or  any  where  they 
choose.  I  say  to  those  persons.  You  must  not  court  perse  cu- 
tion  here.  Jest  you  get  so  much  of  it  you  will  ijot  know  what 
to  do  with  it.  Do  NOT  court  persecution.  We  have  known 
Gladden  Bishop  for  more  than  twenty  years,  and  know 
him  to  be  a  poor  dirty  curse.  Here  is  sister  Vilate  Kim- 
ball, brother  Heber's  wife,  has  borne  more  from  that  man 
than  any  other  woman  on  earth  could  bear ;  but  she  won't 
bear  it  again.  I  say  again,  you  Gladdenites,  do  not  court 
persecution,  or  you  will  get  more  than  you  want,  and  it 
will  come  quicker  than  you  want  it. 

*'Isaytoyou,  Bishops,do  not  allow  them  to  preach  in 
your  wards.  Who  broke  the  roads  to  these  valleys?  Did 
this  little  nasty  Smith,  and  his  wife?    No,    They  stayed  in 


236     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

St.  Louis  while  we  did  it,  peddling  ribbons,  and  kissing  the 
gentiles,  I  know  what  they  have  done  here, -they  have 
asked  exorbitant  prices  for  their  nasty,  stinking  ribbons. 
[Voices,  'That's  true.']  We  broke  the  roads  to  this  countiy. 
"Now,  you  Gladdenites,  keep  your  tongues  still,  lest  sud- 
den destruct  ion  come  upon  you.  I  say,  rather  than  that  a. 
postates  should  flourish  here,  I  will  unsheath  my  bowie 
knife,  and  conquer  or  die.  [Great  commotion  in  the  con- 
gregation, and  a  simultaneous  burst  of  feeling,  assenting  to- 
the  declaration.]  Now,  you  nasty  apostates,  clear  out,  or 
'judgment  will  be  laid  to  the  line,  and  righteousness  to  the 
plummet.'  [Voices  generally,  'Go  it,  go  it-]  If  you  say  it 
is  all  right,  raise  your  hands.  [All  hands  up.  ]  Let  us  call 
upon  the  Lord  to  assist  us  in  this  and  every  other  good 
work." 

In  the  same  discourse  he  commanded  the  Bish. 

ops  to  ''l^^ick  these  men  out  of  their  wards,"  and 
warned  the  apostates  themselves  that  "they  were 
not  playing  with  shadows,"  but  it  was  the  voice 
and  hand  of  the  Almighty  they  were  trying  to 
play  with,  and  they  won  Id  find  themselves  mis- 
taken if  they  thought  to  the  contrary." 

In  accordance  with  this  bloody  teaching,  many 
unfortunate  apostates  who  were  unwilling  or  un- 
able to  leave  the  countrv,  ''bit  the  dust."  They 
felt  the  literal  edge  of  the  bowie-knife  thus  from 
the  pulpit    unsheathed    for  their    destruction. 

Many  of  the  murders  committed  during  the 
succeeding  six  or  seven  years  were  fully  author, 
ized  by  these  instructions;  and  yet  Brigham,  un- 
able to  deny  that  they  had  been  committed,  has 


JOSEPH    M0RRI8.  237 

openly  boasted  that  his  enemies  have  been  un- 
able to  trace  any  of  them  to  him,  and  fasten  them 
upon  him. 

He  unslieathes  the  bowie-knife,  and  issues  a 
general  mandate,  but'  when  the  murder  of  some 
individual  dissenter  is  brought  to  his  door,  he 
turns  away  and  says,  "Thou  canst  not  b*ay  I  did  it.'' 
The  second  organized  opposition  to  Young 
was  made  by  Joseph  Morris. 

On  the  19th  of  November,  1860,  a  man  dressed 
in  ordinary  working-clothes  wended  his  way  on 
foot  from  Slaterville,  a  settlement  in  Weber 
County,  north  of  Salt  Lake,  to  the  Holy  City. 
This  was  Joseph  Morris,  and  the  object  of  his 
visit  was  to  deliver  to  Brigham  Young  two  let- 
ters which  he  had  written,  under  the  influence 
of  the  Spirit- 
It  seems  that  for  some  reason  the  life  of  Mor- 
ris had  been  threatened,  and  having  been  driven 
from  the  place  where  he  had  been  living,  he  was 
now  going  to  appeal  to  the  President  in  person 
for  protection.  Morris  had  received,  previous  to 
this  time,  many  revelations,  some  of  which  look- 
ed to  a  purification  of  the  church, — all  of  which 
he  had  communicated  to  Brigham  and  the  Apos- 
tles. 

On  his  way  to  Salt  Lake  he   met  John  Cook, 
brother  of  Kichard  Cook,  at  that  time  a  Mormon 


23S       .    ADVENTUKES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Bishop,  presiding  at  Soutli  Weber.  To  him 
Morris  communicated  his  views  and  projects,  and 
made  so  fatorable  an  impression  that  both  the 
Cooks  soon  afterward  espoused  his  cause,  and  be- 
came his  zealous  supporters. 

Morris  delivered  hisdetters  to  the  President  at 
his  residence,  but  received  no  reply. 

He  then  proceeded  to  the  houBe  of  Mr.  Cook 
on  Weber  Kiver,  about  thirty  miles  northward 
from  the  city. 

Kot  only  the  Cooks,  but  a  number  of  their 
neighbors,  now  began  to  entertain  favorable 
opinions  of  the  claim  of  their  new  acquaintance 
to  inspiration. 

Otliers  who  conceived  that  the  divine  right  of 
Brigham  was  being  endangered  or  infringed  up- 
on, determined  to  put  Morris  to  death,  or  drive 
him  from  their  midst.  But  Bishop  Cook  stood 
in  the  way. 

In  this  emergency  President  Young  was  ap- 
pealed to,  who  sent  two  high  ecclesiastics,  Messrs. 
John  Taylor  and  Willford  Woodrufl",  both  Apos- 
tles, to  investigate  the  matter.  They  appointed 
a  general  meeting  at  South  Weber,  and  invited 
the  Bishops  of  the  surrounding  Bettlement8,with 
as  many  of  their  people  as  possibly  could,  to  at- 
tend. 

The  meeting   convened  on  the  11th  ot'Febru- 


OUT  OFF  UNDER  THE  CHIN.       289 

ary,  1861,  and  the  delegates  commenced  their 
conrt  of  inquiry  bj  demanding  whether  there 
was  a  man  in  the  ward  who  professed  to  be  a 
prophet?  And  whether  tliere  were  any  individ- 
uals who  entertained  him,  or  professed  faith  in 
his  claims? 

To  the  astonishment  and  consternation  of  the 
Mormons,  seventeen  of  the  believers,  with  Bishop 
Cook  at  their  head,  arose  and  declared  that  thej 
would  enjoy  and  defend  the  right  of  conscience 
by  adhering  to  their  new  faith,  though  it  should 
bring  upon  them  the  most  bitter  persecution, 
and  tlie  loss  of  their  lives.  An  old  man  named 
Watts  arose,  and  in  an  inflammatory  speech,  rec- 
ommended that  the  adherents  of  the  new  Prophet 
should  be  'eutoif  under  the  chin,'  and  laid  away 
in  the  bi-ush;  at  the  same  time  accompanying  his 
words  with  a  motion  of  the  hand,  drawini;  it  ac- 
cross  his  throat.  This,  he  said,  was  wliat  ought 
to  be  done,  according  to  his  understanding  of 
the  laws  of  the  church. 

After  some  further  discussion,  in  which  Watts 
was  boldly  rebuked  by  Cook  for  the  utterance  of 
such  sentiments,  the  question  was  put  to  the 
parties  on  trial,  whether  they  believed  that  Brig- 
ham  Yonng  was  a  Prophet,  Seer,  and  Revelator. 

They  all  anewered  in  the  negative.  Mr.  Tay- 
lor  testified  that  he  knew  BrigUam  to  be  such 


240     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

and  said  those  who  believed  to  the  contrary 
must  be    excommunicated    from    the    church. 

They  were  then  subjected  to  the  process  of 
excommunication. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  the  right  of  Brigham 
to  preside  over  the  church  as  its  temporal  head, 
was  not  questioned    by  Morris  or  his  followers. 

From  this  time  the  followers  of  Morris  increas- 
ed in  numbers  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

On  the  6th  of  April,  1861,  live  persons  were 
baptized  into  the  new  church  in  the  Weber  River. 

On  the  same  day  of  the  same  month,  thirty- 
one  years  previous,  the  Mormon  Church  had 
been  instituted  by  the   baptism  of  six   persons. 

Encouraged  by  this  augury,  a  church  was  or- 
ganized   and  the  work  commenced   in  earnest. 

Converts  flocked  to  them  from  all  parts  of  the 
Territory. 

In  three  months  the  new  church  numbered 
about  five  hundred. 

In  the  meantime  difficulties  arose  between 
them  and  the  surrounding  Mormons.  The  Mor- 
ri sites  refused  to  train  as  militia.  Heavy  fines 
were  imposed  in  consequence,  and  much  prop- 
erty sold  on  execution  for  their  payment. 

These  fines  and  exactions  weie  increased  until 
the  Morrisites  refused  longer  to  submit  to  them. 

A  number  of  fines  of  $60  each  had  been  im- 


APOSTASY    AND   FLOUR.  241 

posed.  When  the  sheriff  appeared  and  proposed 
to  arrest  those  who  would  not  or  could  not  pay, 
he  was  resisted.  Further  proceedings  were  then 
suspended  for  the  present. 

In  the  springj  of  1862  a  team,  consisting  of  two 
yoke  of  cattle,  which  had  been  sent  to  mill  from 
the  Morrisite  settlement,  was,  together  with  a 
load  of  flour,  seized  and  retained  by  one  Will- 
iam Jones,  who  threatened  in  like  manner  to 
retain  all  that  should  be  sent  until  some  difficul- 
ties between  him  and  them  should  be  settled  to 
his  satisfaction.  The  Moriisites,  standing  in 
immediate  need  of  the  flour,  sent  a  posse  of  men 
and  took  not  only  the  flour,  but  Jones  and  two 
associates  prisoners. 

Application  was  now  made  to.  Chief  Justice 
Kinney,  who  immediately  issued  writs  for  the 
arrest  ot  the  leading  Morrisites,  and  wiits  of  ha- 
beas corjnts   for  the   Mormons   held  in  custody. 

These  writs  being  disregarded,  n  posse  of  sev- 
eral  hundred  men,  headed  by  Robert  T.  Burton, 
sheriff'  of  Salt  Lake  County,  well  armed  and 
equipped,  and  having  several  pieces  of  cannon, 
were  sent  to  execute  the  writs,  and  enforce  obe- 
dience. This  force  was  augmented  on  the  way 
by  volunteers,  and  additional  arms,  until  they 
approached  the  settlement  of  the  Morrisites,  with 
a  force  of  about  a  thousand  well  armed    men. 


242  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

and  five  pieces  of  artillery. 

Early  on  tlie  morning  of  the  13tli  of  June, 
some  of  the  jposse  appeared  on  the  heights  above 
South  Weber  settlement,  and  took  possession  of 
the  Morrisites'  cow-herd,  killing  such  as  they  de 
sired  for  beef.  During  the  morning.  Sheriff 
Burton  sent  a  proclamation  to  the  leaders  with- 
in the  Morrisite  "fort" — for  such  they  had  con- 
structed,— calling  upoi\  them  to  come  out  and 
deliver  themselves  up,  according  to  the  require- 
ments of  the  writs  in  his  hands,  and  warning 
them  of  the  consequences,  if  they  refused. 

This  not  being  responded  to,  about  an  hour 
later  ihQ  posse,  most  of  whom  had  been  hitherto 
out  of  sight,  commenced  to  defile  over  the  blufis, 
and  to  occupy  a  prominent  position  command- 
ing the  camp. 

Morris  now  called  a  meeting  of  those  within 
the  fort.  Scarcely  had  they  assembled,  when  a 
cannon-ball  came  into  the  congregation,  killed 
two  women,  and  wounded  a  girl.  From  this 
time  cannonading  and  musketry  fire  was  contin- 
ued with  but  little  intermission. 

The  camp  consisted  of  a  few  houses  built  of 
willows  like  basket-work,  and  plastered,  and  of 
tents,  and  covered  wagons.  Still  the  fight  was 
kept  up  by  tliese  poor  people  for  three  days? 
during  all  which  time,  fighting  with  the  energy 


THE    WHITE   FLAG.  243 

of  desperation,  they  held  this  immense  force  at 
bay.  On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  a  white 
flag  was  raised,  and  the  whole  camp  surrendered. 
The  Morrisites  stacked  their  aims,  under 
guard  of  a  detail  from  the  posse,  who  had  by 
this  time  entered  the  fort. 

Amidst  much  confusion,  the  men  and  women 
were  separated,  and  large  numbers  of  the  men 
were  placed  under  arrest.  Morris  and  Banks 
were  shot  in  cold  blood;  also  two  of  the  women. 

After  the  Morrisites  had  been  taken  prisoners 
their  houses  were  searched  and  plundered,  and 
property,  consisting  of  watches,  jewelry,  clothing 
&c.,  taken,  to  the  amount  of  many  hundreds  of 
dollars.  The  prisoners  were  taken  to  Salt  Lake 
City,  and  placed  under  bonds  by  Judge  Kinney 
for  their  appearance  at  his  court.  They  were 
afterwards  tried,  and  large  numbers  of  them  were 
fined  and  imprisoned. 

"Did  you  say"  I  asked,  "that  Morris  was  kill- 
ed after  the  Morrisites  had  surrenderd?  ""Yes," 
he  replied,  "the  white  flag  was  flying,  the  people 
had  given  up  their  arms,  which  were  guarded  by 
a  large  posse  of  Mormons. 

"Kobert  T.  Burton  and  Judson  L.  Stoddard 
rode  in  amongst  the  Morrisites.  Burton  was 
much  excited.     He  said,    'Where  is    the  man? 

I  don't  know  him.'     Stoddard  replied,  ^That's 


244     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

him,'  pointing  to  Morris.  Burton  rode  his  horse 
upon  MorriSj  and  commanded  him  to  give  him- 
self up  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Morris  replied 
'IN^o,  never,  never.'  Morris  said  he  wanted  to 
speak  to  the  people.  Burton  said,  'Be  d — d 
quick  about  it.'  Morris  said,  'Brethren,  I've 
taught  you  true  principles,' — he  had  scarcely 
got  the  words  out  of  his  mouth  before  Barton 
fired  his  revolver.  The  ball  passed  in  his  neck 
or  shoulder.  Burton  exclaimed,  'There's  your 
Prophet,'  He  fired  again,  sayiog,  'What  do  you 
think  of  your  Prophet  now?' 

"Burton  then  turned  suddenly  and  shot  Banks 
who  was  standing  ^ve  or  six  paces  distant. 
Banks  fell.  Mrs.  Bowman,-  wife  of  James  Bow- 
man, came  running  up,  crying,  'Oh!  you  blood- 
thirsty wretch.'  Burton  said,  'No  one  shall  tell 
me  that  and  live,'  and  shot  her  dead.  A  Danish 
woman  then  came  running  up  to  Morris,  cry- 
ing, and  Burton  shot  her  dead  also.  Burton 
could  easily  have  taken  Morris  and  Banks  pris- 
oners, if  he  had  tried. 

"I  am  here  to-night  to  ask  your  assistance  in 
obtaining  a  pardon  for  my  unfortunate  brethren- 

"We  have  lost  everything  we  possessed,  and 
Brigham  has  forbidden  any  good  Mormon  to  give 
us  food,  shelter  or  work,  and  has  commanded  the 
Danites  to  do  their  duty,  which  means  to  kill  on 


SECEETS   OF  MORMONISM.  245 

sight  any  one  of  us  .who  may  be  caught  away 
from  witnesses  of  the  crime."  "Well,  my  fsiend," 
said  I,  '^whatever  I  can  do  for  your  people  will 
be  cheerfully  done  and  I  have  no  doubt  at  all 
that  Gov.  Harding  will  pardon  all  who  are  still 
in  prison.  Moreover  I  think  we  can  do  some- 
thing for  your  people  to  get  them  away  from  the 
clutches  of  the  despot.  I  will  talk  with  the  gov- 
ernor and  Gen.  Connor  about  it  and  let  you 
know.  His  countenance  brightened  and  he  ex- 
pressed his  gratitude  in  the  most  unbounded 
terms.  Finding  him  to  be  a  very  intelligent  man 
I  asked  him,  under  what  law  or  authority  these 
outrages  were  committed.'- 

He  hesitated,  but  tinaliy  said,  "I  have  sworn 
on  pain  of  the  most  horrid  death,  never  to  reveal 
the  "secrets  of  Mormonism"  but  my  life  is  for- 
feited to  the  church  any  way,  and  a  bad  oath  is 
better  broken  than  kept  and  you  ought  to  know 
the  machinery  of  the  most  cruel  despotism  on 
the  face  of  the  earth,  in  order  to  be  able  to  over- 
throw it.  These  horrid  crimes  are  all  done  by 
the  order  and  under  the  authority  of  the  Secret 
Orders  .of  the  Church." 

"It  seems  to  me,"  I  said,  "this  is  a  little  better 
than  an  absolute  despotism,  where  the  lives  and 
property  of  the  people  are  entirely  under  the  con- 
trol and  at  the  disposal  of  one  mcm?^ 


246  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAR   WEST. 

"Yes  he  replied,  this  is  ^  Theocratic  monarchy 
and  the  President  of  the  Church,  as  God's  vice- 
gerent wields  despotic  power  over  the  people, 
and  rules  them  by  liis  single  will,  in  all  their 
affairs,  both  spiritual  and  temporal.  In  order 
that  the  most  periect  discipline  should  be  en- 
forced, there  is  an  organized  system,  so  complete 
and  far-reaching  that  the  daily  lives  of  each 
and  every  member  are  ready  at  a  monaent's  no- 
tice to  present  to  the  President,  for  his  inspec- 
tion." I  would  like  very  much  my  friend  to 
have  you  give  me  the  organization  of  this  The- 
ocracy. He  continued  '-'you  will  observe  as  I 
proceed  a  striking  similarity  to  the  Jewish  re- 
ligion after  which  the  whole  system  is  modeled. 

"Indeed  we  all  believe  that  we  are  the  chosen 
people  of  God  and  that  we  are  commanded  to 
fulfil  the  prophecy  and  are  "To  establish  Zion 
on  the  tops  of  these  mountains"  and  that  all  na- 
tions will  flow  unto  it.  The  Morrisites  hold 
that  Brigham  Young  is  a  false  and  wricked  king 
like  unto  Saul  and  that  he  has  corrupted  the 
faith  delivered  to  the  Saints,  added  thereto  base 
and  hellish  practices  and  that  God  will  in  his 
own  good  time  overthrow  him  and  all  his  will- 
ing dupes  and  raise  up  a  true  successor  to  Joseph 
who  shall  re-establish  his  church  in  its  purity 
and  power. 


PEIESTS  AND   PRIESTHOOD.  247 

The  organization  of  the  Mormon  system  is: 

First, — The  Fiest  Pkesidenct.  This  consists 
of  three,  chosen  from  those  who  hold  the  hiffh- 
priesthood  and  apostleship,  and  its  office  is  to 
preside  over  and  direct  the  affairs  of  the  whole 
church.  The  President  is  also  Seer,  Eevelator, 
Translator,  and  Prophet.  He  rules  in  all  spirit- 
ual and  temporal  affairs. 

Secondly, — The  Apostles.  These  are  to  build 
up,  organize,  and  preside  over  churches,  admin- 
ister the  ordinances,  etc. 

Thirdly, — The  Seventies.  The  Quorums  of 
the  Seventies  are  to  travel  in  all  the  world,  preach 
the  gospel,  and  administer  its  ordinances  and 
blessings.  There  is,  also,  the  Patriarch,  whose 
duty  it  is  to  bless  the  fatherless,  to  prophesy 
what  shall  befall  them,  etc. 

Fourthly, — High- Priests  and  Elders.  The 
High-Priest  is  to  administer  the  ordinances,  and 
preside  over  the  Stakes  of  the  church;  that  is, 
over  the  churches  established  abroad. 

The  Elders  are  to  preach  and  to  baptize;  to 
ordain  other  Eldej-s,  also  Priests,  Teachers,  and 
Deacons.  All  the  foregoing  officers  are  of  the 
Milchisedec  Priesthood.- 

Fifthly, — The  Aaronio  Priesthood,  which  in- 
cludes the  offices  of  Bishop,  Priest,  Teacher,  and 
Deacon, 


248  ADVENTURES  IN   THE  FAR  WEST. 

The  Bishop  presides  over  all  the  lesser  oflSces 
of  the  Aaronic  Priesthood,  ministers  in  outward 
ordinances,  conducts  the  temporal  business  of 
the  church,  and  sits  in  judgment  on  transgress- 
ors. 

The  Priest  is  to  preach,  baptize,  administer 
the  sacrament  ot  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  visit 
and  exhort  the  saints. 

The  Teacher  is  to  watch  over  and  strengthen 
the  church,  etc. 

The  Deacon  is  to  assist  the  Teacher. 

There  is  also  a  High  Council,  consisting  of 
Twelve  High-Priests,  with  a  President.  The  of- 
fice of  the  Council  is  to  settle  all  important  dif- 
ficulties. 

The  Priesthood  comes  direct  from  Heaven, 
and  was  lost  to  man,  until  the  keys  of  both  or- 
ders of  the  Priesthood  were  given  to  Joseph 
Smith,    by    an  angel    from    Heaven,   in  1829. 

After  the  death  of  Smith,  they  came  into  the 
hands  of  Erigham  Young. 

From  this  resume  of  the  church  organization, 
it  will  be  seen  that  it  is  suflBcient  for  the  pur- 
pose.    Nor   is   it    confined   to  spiritual  affairs. 

Under  the  form  of  a  church  organization,  this 
system  absorbs  not  only  the  religious,  but  all 
the  civil  and  political  liberty  of  the  individual 
member.    The  High  Council  forms  an  appar- 


KEYS.  249 

ent  check  on  the  power  of  the  President ;  but 
when  it  is  considered  that  this  body  is  compos- 
ed of  persons  nearest  the  President,  and  under 
his  immediate  influence  and  control,  in  other 
relations  in  the  same  organization, — as  lligli- 
Priests,  etc., — it  will  be  seen  that  the  check  is 
only  nominal. 

The  orders  of  the  Priesthood,  to   which  these 
officers  are  respectively  attached,  are  thus  dis 
tinguished: — 

The  Melchisedec  Priesthood  hold  the  right  of 
Presidency,  receive  revelations  from  Heaven,  for 
the  guidance  of  the  church,  and  hold  the  keys  of 
all  its  spiritual  blessings. 

The  Aaronic  Priesthood  hold  the  keys  of  the 
ministering  of  angels,  and  have  the  right  to  ad- 
minister in  outward  ordinances.  This  Priest- 
hood rQust  be  filled  by  lineal  descendants  of 
Aaron. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  mission  of  all. the  offi- 
cers of  the  Melchisedec  Priesthood,  the  Apostles, 
High-Prieste,  Seventies,  and  Elders — is  to  prop- 
agate tha  gospel,  and  make  converts;  while  the 
government  of  the  church  and  of  the  people  is 
committed  to  the  Aaronic  Priesthood. 

Of  these  the  chief  is  the  Bisliop,  who  is  accord- 
ingly the  civil  and  religious  magistrate  of  the 
ward  in  which  he  resides. 


250  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

The  Order  of  the  Danites  has  been,  for  many 
years,  an  established  institution  in  tlie  Mormon 
church. 

It  was  first  organized  as  the  Daughters  of  Zi- 
on,  see  Songs  of  Solomon  and  Isaiah  4.4.  Then 
on  July  4th,  1838,  as  the  Danite  Band  or  United 
Brothers  of  Gideon,  with  the  battle  cry  of  **The 
Sword  of  the  Lord  and  Gideon,"  see  Judges,  cliap- 
ters  6,  7,  8.  Also  Genesis  46. 17.  ^'Dan  shall  be 
a  serpent  by  the  way,  an  adder  in  the  path,  that 
biteth  the  horses'  heels,  so  that  his  rider  shall 
fall  backward." 

Brigham  Young  and  his  two  Counselors  form 
the  First  Presidency,  under  the  title  of  the 
Gods,  or  Grand  Archees.  These  are,  at  pres- 
ent, Young,  Kimball,  and  Wells.  A  few,  also, 
of  the  Apostles,  hold  the  rank  of  Grand  Archees. 
These  have  the  power  of  life  and  death. 

Next  in  importance,  is  a  body  of  men  called 
Archees.  They  are  entitled  to  sit  in  Council 
with  the  Gods  or  Grapd  Archees,  in  matters  re- 
lating to  the  taking  of  life.  This  "Quorum"  as 
it  is  called,  also  includes  some  of  the  Bishops  and 
Presidents  of  other  quorums    in  in  the  church. 

Their  office  is  to  examine  cases  of  offenders 
thought  to  require  a  summary  disposal,  and  sub- 
mit the  result  of  such  examination  to  the  Grand 
Archees.     In  some  cases,  where  the  utmost  dis- 


OEDEE  OF  THE  DANITES,  251 

cretion  is  required,  they  act  as  agents  and  swift- 
winged  messengers,  to  carry  into  eliect  the  de- 
crees of  the  Gods. 

The  Archees  have  discretionary  and  independ- 
ent power  over  the  lives  of  all  gentiles  and 
"apostates." 

Next  in  rank  are  the  Danites,  whose  office  is 
to  assist  the  Archees  in  the  execution  of  their 
bloody  deeds.  These  are  formed  into  bands  of 
fifty  men  each.  One  band,  at  least,  belongs  to 
each  Archee,  they  serving  under  him  as  min- 
ute men.  These  "Danite  Bands"  are  generally 
composed  of  inferior  officers  and  teachers,  con- 
stables, and  policemen,  and  .those  who,  having 
committed  heinous  crimes,  as  murder,  theft,  adul- 
tery, &c.,  would  sooner  be  sworn  to  serve  in  this 
bloody  office,  than  have  their  deeds  exposed  and 
receive  their  justly  merited  punishment. 

The  officers  in  all  these  grades  are  solemnly 
sworn  to  secrecy,  and  to  the  duties  of  their  res- 
pective offices,  on  pain  of  instant  death. 

Where  the  danger  of  discovery  is  imminent, 
and  the  matter  in  hand  is  too  important  to  be 
trusted  fco  the  Danites,  the  Archees  meet  and  per- 
form the  dirty  work  themselves ;  as  in  the  case  of 
Secretary  Babbitt,  Brewer,  and  the  unlucky  at- 
tempt on  Dr.  Hurt.  In  other  cases,  the  Danites- 
are  called  upon;  instance  the  Parishes,  Potter, 


252     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Bowman,  Mountain  Meadows,  &c. 

The  Danites  are  expected  to  act  as  spies  upon 
the  federal  officers  and  other  gentiles;  to  watch 
the  feelings  and  spirits  of  the  saints,  and  to  re- 
port the  first  indications  of  disaffection. 

Such  cases  are  at  once  attended  to,  and  if  they 
are  deemed  of  a  dangerous  character,  are  summa- 
rily disposed  of. 

The  spoil  is  divided,  one  half  going  to  the 
Grand  Archees,  and  the  other  half  to  the  Archees 
and  Danites  who  are  employed  in  the  commission 
of  the  crime. 

When  Judge  Cradlebaugh  attempted  to  bring- 
to  justice  the  perpetrators  of  the  Mountain 
Meadow  Massacre,  and  various  other  crimes, 
several  bishops  and  many  other  leading  Mor- 
mons fled  to  the  mountains,  where  they  remain- 
ed several  weeks.  Their  place  of  refuge  they 
named  "Mount  Kolob,"  which  means  "the  res- 
idence of  the  Gods." 

The  remark  is  frequently  made  in  Utah, — 
"Brigham  is  the  only  God  I  care  a  d — n  about.'' 

The  deep  meaning  of  this  is  only  to  be  explain- 
ed by  reference  to  this  organized  system  of  crime 
taken  in  connection  with  the  organization  of  the 
"celestial  kingdom." 

The  theory  is  that  Brigham  Young  is  a  God  in 
embryo.      That  he  is  laying  the  foundation  here 


CELESTIAL   KINGDOM.  253 

for  a  celestial  kingdom.  That  there  will  be  cre- 
ated for  him  a  world,  which  his  posterity  will  in- 
habit, and  of  which  he  will  be  the  King  and  God. 

His  kingdom  will  be  constituted  as    follows: 

1st.     Himself  as  God. 

2d.  His  wives  as  Goddesses  and  Queens, 
each  ruling  her  own  posterity,  with  Brigham  as 
husband  and  God. 

3d.     His  sons  and  their  families. 

4th.  The  daughters  by  the  celestial  law  would 
when  married,  pass  out  of  their  father's  kingdom 
and  be  added  to  the  husband's.  To  obviate  this 
difficulty,  every  man  whomarries  one  of  the  Pres- 
ident's daughters  is  obliged  to  be  adopted  by  and 
sealed  to  his  father-in-law. 

The  daughter  is  thus  retained  to  augment  her 
father's  kingdom,  by  the  addition  of  her  family. 

This  is  one  reason  why  female  children  are  so 
lightly  esteemed  in  Utah.  They  cannot  add  to 
the  father's  glory,  but  must  go  to  glorify  others. 

5th.  Many  young  men  who  have  no  families 
and  therefore  no  kingdoms,  are  sealed  to  Brig- 
ham,  to  add  to  his  celestial  glory, — in  some  in- 
stances, also,  men  of  families,  who  have  not  am- 
bition enough  to  aspire  to  kingdoms  of  their  own. 

This  relationship  pertains  to  this  world  as  well 
as  to  the  next.  Brigham  becomes  a  father  to 
them  here,  supports  them  if  necessary,  and  de- 


254  ADVENTURES    IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

mands  ttieir  respect,  and  obedience. 

A  case  recently  occurred  in  Salt  Lake,  which 
fully  illustrates  the  power  which  Young  exer- 
cises over  this  clasrs  of  his  subjects. 

Dr.  Sprague,  an  eastern  man,  has  been  at  Salt 
Lake  about  twelve  years.  During  most  of  that 
time  he  has  officiated  in  tbe  Endowment  House, 
in  the  washings  and  anointings.  He  has  also  had 
charge  of  the  Tabernacle,  and  acted  as  family 
physician  to  the  inmates  of  the  Harem. 

He  has  a  wife  and  two  children.  His  son  is  on 
a  mission,  and  the  daughter,  a  little  girl  of  thir- 
teen, is  an  invalid.  IV^rs.  Sprague  is  a  model 
New-England  housewife.  She  has  toiled  early 
and  late  to  procure  the  comforts,  and  some  of 
the  luxuries  of  life.  By  the  most  persevering  ef- 
fort, they  at  length  succeeded  in  building  a  beau- 
tiiul  liouse,  and  Doctor  Sprague's  garden  is  the 
prettiest  in  Salt  Lake. 

The  family  removed  to  their  new  residence  in 
the  fall  of  1862,  and  had  but  just  furnished  it. 

By  the  Mormon  law  of  adoption,  the  property 
of  the  adopted  child  belongs  to  the  father,  or  is 
under  his  control.  Dr.  Sprague  is  the  adopted 
son  of  Brigham  Young.  His  whole  property  is 
worth  not  less  than  $10,000. 

Mrs.  Emeline  Free  Young  has  been  very  mel- 
ancholy since  Brigham  married  Amelia.     Her 


DE.    SPRAGUE.  255 

heal  til  continued  to  decline  until  it  was  thought 
advisable  to  remove  her  from  the  Lion  House 
the  scene  of  her  joys  and  sorrow,  and  situate  her 
more  pleasantly.  Accordingly  one  day  Brig- 
ham  called  on  Dr.  Spragne  and  wife,  and  coolly 
told  thenj  that  he  wanted  their  place  for  three  or 
four  years,  for  Emeline,  until  he  could  build  her 
one.  At  the  end  of  that  time  they  could  have  it 
again,  and  in  the  meantime  they  could  live  in  the 
house  formerly  occupied  by  J.  M.  Grant,  which 
he  would  h.ave  repaired  for  their  use. 

The  husband  and  wife  were  astonished  and  con- 
founded at  this  request,  and  Mrs.  Sprague,  under 
the  first  impulse  of  her  indignation,  said  "she 
did  not  relish  the  idea  of  giving  up  her  house  to 
people  who  read  novels  every  day."  "Yery  well," 
replied  the  Prophet,  "if  you  prefer  to  incur  my 
displeasure  rather  than  to  let  me  have  your 
home,  you  can  do  so."    With  this  he  left  them. 

The  Doctor  and  his  wife  began  thinking  tho 
matter  over.  It  would  never  do  to  incur  the  dis- 
pleasure of  brother  Brigham.  He  was  their  fa- 
ther in  this  world,  and  their  God  in  the  celestial 
kingdom.  Then  the  Doctor  was  advancing  in 
years,  and  should  he  lose  his  situation  in  the  En- 
dowment House  and  Tabernacle,  where  would  be 
the  support  for  himself  and  family  in  his  declin- 
ing years  ?    He  had  served  his  adopted  father  bo 


256  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

long  and  faithfully,  should  he  break  with  hira 
now?  It  would  never  do;  so,  after  many  sleep- 
less nights  and  much  an  uisli  of  spirit,  he  made 
up  his  mind  to  make  the  sacriiice.  As  to  Mrs. 
Sprague,  she  cared  not  for  herself,  but  her  poor 
sick  child!  She  had  lived  for  years  almost  en- 
tirely in  the  beautiful  garden,  and  how  could  she 
leave  it  now?  With  frail  and  faltering  step  she 
had  wandered  amid  the  fl(»weis  and  fruit,  cull- 
ing this  bright  geranium  and  that  lovely  rose, 
plucking  this  beautiful  strawberry,  and  that  lus- 
cious bunch  of  grapes,  and  by  this  sweet  com 
niimion  with  Nature,  the  child  seemed  to  receive 
afresh  the  life-giving  principle.  She  was  now  to 
be  torn  from  her  little  paradise,  by  whom  and  for 
what?  No  wonder  if  the  heart  of  the  mother 
grew  somewhat  stony  at  the  reflection. 

When  the  poor  girl  heard  that  she  must  leave 
these  "delightful  shades,"she  wept  until  oblivion 
wrapt  her  senses,  and  in  a  fit  of  convulsions,  she 
forgot,  for  the  time  being,  at  least,  her  cruel  fate. 

The  sisters  came  to  sympathize  with  Sister 
Sprague;  said  it  was  too  bad.  "Sister  Sprague, 
it  is  too  bad,  but  you  had  better  do  it  than  to 
have  Brother  Brigham's  curse  resting  upon  you.'' 

Emeline,  who  is  really  very  kind-hearted, 
came  and  wept  with  Sister  S.,  saying  she  did  not 
want^er  home,  "but  Brigliam,"  said  she,  "has 


THE  SWORD  OF  THE   ALMIGHTY.  257 

set  his  mind  upon  it,  and  we  don't  any  of  us 
dare  to  speak  to  bim  about  it." 

Young  remained  inexorable — tbe  change  was 
made;  and  to-da}^  the  whilome  favored  wife  and 
now  cast-off  mistress  of  Brigham  Young,  occu- 
pies the  beautiful  residence  of  Dr.  Sprague,  the 
fruit  of  his  m?-ny  years  of  toil  and  economy. 

It  is  an  ordinary  thing  for  people  who  offend 
in  any  way  the  Archees  to  begot  out  of  the  way. 

The  order  is  given  to  "cut  them  off  just  under 
the  chin."  Brigham  does  not  in  words  sanction 
this,  but  simply  crooks  his  little  finger  and  says 
<Hhe  boys  know  their  business." 

When  John  D.  Lee,  and  his  ^'band"  had  got 
the  emigrants  from  Missouri  and  Arkansas  in 
such  a  position  that  he  knew  he  could  cut  them 
off  if  he  wanted  to  do  it  he  sent  a  courier  to 
Brigham  for  further  instruction.  Mrs.  Eme- 
line  Free  happened  to  be  near  when  the  messen- 
ger arrived  and  found  out  his  business  and  got 
down  on  her  knees  and  begged  for  the  lives  of 
these  emigrants,  but  she  could  not  move  the 
heart  of  this  cruel  king;  but  like  the  despot  of 
old  he  ordered  the  slaughter  to  go  on,  saying, 
"They  have  shed  the  blood  of  the  Saints  and  I 
command  you  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God  to  fol- 
low these  cursed  gentiles  and  disguised  as  In- 
dians attack   them  and   with  the  arrows  of  the 


258  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Almighty  make  a  clean  sweep  of  them  and  leave 
none  to   tell  the   tale."     You  know   the  result. 

This  was  the  richest  train  that  ever  crossed  the 
plains  and  you  can  see  any  day  among  the  lead- 
ers of  this  people  the  pianos,  fine  clothiiig  and 
splendid  horses  and  carriages  which  were  taken 
from  them. 

"It  seems"  said  I,  *Jthat  these  people  stop  at 
no  crime  when  they  have  an  object  to  accom- 
plish.'' "No,"  said  he,  "they  consider  that  they 
are  doing  God's  service  just  as  much  when  com- 
mitting a  murder  of  the  most  horrible  descrip- 
tion as  when  attending  divine  services  in  the 
tabernacle,  provided  they  are  under  the  instruc- 
tions ot  their  superiors.  The  other  day  I  was 
conversing  with  a  man  high  in  the  Priesthood 
and  he  said: 

"Some  time  in  the  summer  of  1851,  I  went  to  the  Mint,  in 
Salt  Lake  City,  on  business.  John  Kay  was  there.  He 
had  charge  of  the  Mint.  The  building  is  now  inside  of 
Brigham's  Wall.  On  a  table,  a  little  to  one  side  of  the  room 
I  saw  a  human  skeleton  complete,  attached  by  wires.  I  ask- 
ed him  how  it  came  there.  After  some  reluctance,  he  stated 
that  It  was  the  skeleton  of  an  emigrant,  who  was  passing 
through  Salt  Lake,  and  who  had  boasted  how  he  had  assist, 
cd  in  persecuting  the  Mormons  in  Missouri.  He  said  he 
would  continue  to  persecute  them,  and  lived  for  that  pur. 
pose,  or  something  like  that.  Kay  said,  *  We  asked  Brigham 
what  we  were  to  do  with  him.*  Brigham  replied,  *He  sup- 
posed the  boys  knew  their  business.*  I  then  asked  Kay 
how  they  managed  it.     He  said  they  invited  the  emigrant  to 


ATROCITIES.  151 

the  Mint,  to  see  the  works,  and  take  a  drink  "with  them. 

"Having  arrived  there,  as  he  was  stepping  down  some 
steps  which  led  to  the  furnace,  Kay  struck  him,  as  he  said 
on  the  top  of  the  head,  with  a  wooden  mallet,  which  knock- 
ed him  senseless.  He  did  not  say  bow  he  proceeded  after 
that.    I  asked  him  how  he  took  the  flesh  from  the  bones. 

"He  said,  with  vitriol  and  lime. 

"I  have  often  heard  the  doctrine  of  cutting  the  throats  of 
apostates  preached  from  the  pulpit,  particularly  during  the 
year  1856,  when,  for  several  months,  I  scarcely  attended 
meeting  without  hearing  such  preaching.  They  would  say 
If  you  find  a  man  with  his  throat  cut.  pay  no  attention  to  it. 

"At  one  time,  my  life  was  threatened  by  a  Danite,  and 
his  intention  to  take  my  life  was  sanctioned  at  a  meeting, 
by  the  Bishop  and  authorities.  No  cause  was  alleged,  ex- 
cept a  trivial  remark  made  by  my  wife,  reflecting  slightly 
on  one  of  the  First  Presidents.  The  remark  had  been  ex- 
aggerated and  attributed  to  me,  and  although  it  was  fully 
explained,  I  was  followed  and  threatened  for  over  a  year. 

'*At  that  time  my  wife  and  myself  were  members  of  the 
Mormon  Church,  in  good  standing." 

I  have  heard  a  great  deal  about  the  Danite  lead- 
ers, have  met  several  of  them,  and  I  must  say 
they  do  not  look  like  bad  men.  Bill  Hickman 
came  in  one  evening  sat  down  and  took  my  little 
children  on  his  knees  and  talked  to  them  in  a 
kindly  and  gentle  way  that  greatly  surprised  me. 

I  shuddered  to  see  this  hero  of  a  dozen  mur- 
ders sitting  familiarly  at  my  fireside.  What 
can  be  said  of  a  religion  that  will  turn  a  natur- 
ally good  man  into  a  fiend  of  hell? 


260     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR   WEST. 

Bill  Hickman  is  one  of  the  most  notorions  of 
the  Danite  leaders.  He  is  a  man  of  medium  size, 
heavy  set,  of  florid  complexion,  troubled  of  late 
years  with  weak  eyes,  causing  him  to  wear  gog- 
gles. He  is  now  about  fifty  years  of  age.  He  is 
of  Southern  birth,  and  a  strong  secessionist,  but 
professes  much  friendship  for  the  United  States 
Government,  and  for  federal  officers.  He  is  wi- 
ly and  cunning,  with  much  of  the  suaviter  in 
modo,  and  is  something  ota  lawyer.  He  glories 
in  a  household  of  seven  "women"  and  about  twen- 
ty children'  but  does  not  maintain  them  in  the 
highest  style. 

Porter  Kockwell,  another  noted  character,  is 
somewhat  of  the  same  style  of  Hickman.  Short- 
er of  stature,  with  the  Utah  floridity  of  com- 
plexion, and  very  voluble  in  conversation.  Any- 
thing that  is  all  right  with  Rockwell,  is  "on  the 
square."  It  is  "wheat,"  and  nearly  every  act 
and  expression  of  a  stranger,  is  of  that  character. 

Robert  T.  Burton,  Sheriff  of  Salt  Lake  County, 
and  Collector  of  Internal  Revenue,  who  bids 
fair  to  rival  or  outdo  all  the  others  in  his  lawless 
deeds  is  a  tall,  wiry  man,  one  it  would  be  hard 
to  hit  with  a  bullet.  He  is  cool  and  imperturb- 
able; in  fact,  never  thrown  off  his  balance,  never 
wanting  in  case  of  an  emergency.  No  fitter  per- 
son to  carry  out  the  plans  of  Young  could  be 


OLD  MANNEEED   MEN.  261 

fonnd  within  or  without  the  Territory ,  and  npon 
him  Brigham  relies  implicitly.  With  or  with- 
out a  "writ,"  he  is  always  ready. 

Tl\e  history  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  re- 
ligion of  Mahomet,  as  well  as  of  most  of  the  re- 
ligions of  the  past,  furnishes  us  with  abundant  in- 
stances of  the  crimes  which  fanatical  zeal,  inspir- 
ed by  what  is  supposed  to  be  divine  revelation, 
will  lead  men  to  commit.  The  enemies  of  the 
Lord  and  His  annointed  are  to  them  no  more 
than  the  "adder  in  the  path,"  and  they  would  cut 
them  off  with  as  much  zeal  as  they  would  perform 
any  other  religious  rite.  The  blood  of  their  pro- 
phet cries  from  the  ground  for  vengeance  on  his 
murderers,  and  these  bold  defenders  of  the  faith 
will  stick  at  no  crime  until  thej  have  destroyed 
and  laid  waste  the  land,  and  the  people  that  have 
so  cruelly  wronged  them.  This  feeling  was  at 
the  bottom  of  the  Mountain  Meadow  massacre, 
than  which,  there  is  no  crime  more  fiendish, 
more  dreadful  and  more  treacherous  in  all  history. 


CHAPTER  XXII, 


SOCIETY  IN   THE  SIERRAS. 
From  Mrs.  Burliiigame's  Journal. 

I  have  been  so  absorbed  in  the  affairs  around 
me,  so  much  interested  in  the  religion,  customs 
and  doings  of  "this  peculiar  people,"  that  I  have 
almost  forgotten  my  friends  who  crossed  the 
plains  with  us. 

Miss  Julia  has  written  me  a  long  letter  from 
her  home  in  the  Sierras,  which  I  will  write  down 
here  that  it  may  be  in  a  form  for  convenient  re- 
ference. 

SIERRA  SEMINARY,    JaN.  15th,  1863. 

My  Dear  Sister, 

When  I  arrived  here  I  found  Aunt  Kizzie, 
waiting  to  receive  me  with  open  arms.  She  is 
one  of  the  dearest  and  best  of  women.  She  is 
just  the  kind  of  a  go-a-head  woman  you  would 


GREAT  MEN.  263 

like.  She  is  Principal  of  Sierra  Seminary,  a 
large  aud  flourishing  school  for  young  ladies  and 
a  heavy  dealer  in  Mining  Stocks.  Gov.  Nye 
says  that  Miss  Clapp  is  one  of  the  shrewdest  op- 
erators in  stocks  he  ever  knew.  Her  Seminary 
is  the  center  of  the  social  world  and  in  her  beau- 
tiful and  elegant  apartments  are  frequently  gath- 
ered  the  great  men  of  this  region. 

Here  politics,  liccrature,  science  and  religion 
are  freely  discussed  and  no  one  is  tabooed  on  ac- 
count of  his  opinions. 

I  must  give  you  some  account  of  our  holiday 
festivities.  On  Christmas  eve  we  held  our  clos- 
ing reception.  The  examinations  were  over  and 
the  evening  was  devoted  to  music,  dancing  and 
social  entertainment.  Many  ot  our  patrons  were 
here  and  I  assure  you  they  were  well  pleased 
with  the  manner  in  which  their  daughters  had 
been  trained.  We  had  some  very  unique  char- 
acters present,  Gov.  Nye,  Senator  Johns,  Gen- 
eral Jordan,  Col.  Pray,  Judge  Beattie,  Capt. 
Mounts,  Col.  Sellers  and  several  members  of  the 
legislature.  There  are  no  plain  citizens  here. 
All  wear  titles,  with  as  much  ease  and  nonchal- 
ance as  they  wear  their  watch  guards.  Several 
of  the  gentlemen  considered  it  their  duty  to  play 
the  agreeable  to  your  humble  servant.  Gen. 
Jordan,  a  bonanza  king  was  exceedingly  gracious 


264     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  PAR  WEST. 

and  told  me  rather  in  confidence  that  his  mines 
were  the  richest  in  the  world  but  that  he  thought 
best  to  be  a  little  quiet  about  it  for  the  present. 

He  said  that  his  wife  should  blaze  with  dia- 
monds and  have  the  finest   "outfit"  in  all  Paris. 

This  was  rather  suggestive  for  a  single  man 
of  50  and  I  felt  a  little  blush  creeping  up  into 
my  cheek.  As  soon  as  possible  I  turned  the  con- 
versation and  addressed  myself  to  Capt.  Mounts 
who  is  quite  a  character  here.  He  has  made  his 
"pile"  in  mining  phrase  and  instead  of  branch- 
ing out  he  is  looking  al)out  him  with  great  cau- 
tion. I  said,  Capt.  I  suppose  you  will  be  buy- 
ing into  some  of  the  bonanzas  soon?  "No"  said 
he,  "I  shall  not  go  into  anything  new  unless  it 
is  a  ''''dead  thing ^^^  in  fact  said  he  "it  must  be 
VERY  DEAD,"  I  think  I  will  go  down  to  the  land 
of  big  apples  and  pretty  girls,  get  me  a  wife  and 
settle  down."     Sensible  Captain! 

Senator  Johns  and  Judge  Beattiewere  discus- 
sing the  political  situation  and  as  they  were  on 
different  sides  and  both  candidates  for  the  U.  S. 
Senate  their  lanoruaffc  at  times  became  more  for- 
cible  than  elegant,  though  I  must  give  western 
men  the  credit  of  showins:  a  hearty  appreciation 
ol  and  genuine  respect  for  the  sex. 

These  men  are  wholesouled,  brave,  generous 
to  a  fault  and  though  not  quite  so  refined  in 


NEW   YEAR   CALLERS.  265 

manner  are  more  truly  noble  and  polite  than 
their  eastern  brethren. 

After  the  exercises  an  elegant  collation  was 
served.  Music  and  dancing,  games  and  cards, 
and  social  intercourse,  according  to  th^  taste  of 
the  guest,  ma.de  the  evening  a  verj  delightful 
one  and  long  to  be  remembered  by  those  who 
participated  in  this  pleasant  reunion. 

I    must   tell  you  of  our  ISIew  Year    callers. 

Miss  Clapp  is  a  great  favorite  here  and  as  ev- 
ery body  feels  at  liberty  to  make  calls  on  his 
lady  friends  on  the  first  day  of  the  year  we  had 
a  decided  variety  I  do  assure  you. 

Our  first  caller  was  Capt.  Brown.  He  was 
one  of  those  long,  lean,  cadaverous  yankees  with 
a  great  many  peculiarities.  "A  happy  new  year 
Capt."  said  Miss  Clapp,  "how  are  your  mines 
doing?-'  "I  think"  said  the  Capt.  "that  we  shall 
soon  strike  it  rich  and  I  shall  go  down  east  with 
a  pocket  full  of  rocks!" 

The  Capt.  represents  a  large  class  who  are  al. 
ways  just  going  to  strike  "pay  rock"  but  never  do. 
,  Col.  Sellers  next  arrived.  He  was  gorgeous 
in  black  dress  suit,  white  vest  and  lavender  kids. 

"Good  morning  ladies"  said  the  Col.  "and  many 
happy  reurns.  I  am  so  burdened  with  busi- 
ness, have  so  many  men  coming  to  see  me  about 
my  mines  that  I  had  to  transcend  the  laws  of  et- 


266    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAB  WEST. 

iquette  and  make  a  morning  call."  I  asked  the 
Col.  where  his  mines  were  located.  *'"Well  said 
he  they  are  in  the  Sky-Light  district,  a  new  bo- 
nanza m J  dear  lady,  a  great  thing,  the  greatest 
discovery  of  the  age;  in  fact  "there  are  millions  in 
them."  "Have  you  struck  a  true  fissure  vein," 
said  Miss  Clapp,  and  what  is  its  width?"  "Well" 
said  the  Col.  "we  have  indications  which  areun. 
mistakable  and  our  men  are  very  sanguine  that 
we  are  about  to  open  the  champion  mine  of  the 
world."  The  Col.  is  at  present  stopping  at  the 
boarding-house  of  a  lady  to  whom  he  has  sold 
mining  shares  in  "The  Sky-Light"  at  a  hundred 
cents  on  the  dollar. 

There  is  a  large  class  of  such  adventurers  who 
live  by  their  wits  and  by  imposing  on  the  good 
nature  and  credulity  of  honest  but  simple  heart- 
ed people. 

Our  next  caller  was  "Dunbar."  He  came  in 
slyly  and  with  considerable  embarrassment  and 
after  a  few  words  of  salutation  drew  out  from  un- 
der his  big  coat,  a  red  bandanna,  full  of  choice 
red  apples  which  he  begged  to  have  us  take  say- 
ing "I  reckon  there  aint  nuthin'  no  better'n  these 
ere  apples  this  side  the  States."  We  thanked 
him  kindly  and  made  him  as  much  at  home 
as  the  Governors,  Judges,  Colonels,  Captains  and 
Brigadier  Generals   who   thronged  our  parlort, 


THE  COMSTOOK.  267 

from  early  morning  until  late  at  night.  Towards 
night  we  received  a  call  from  Col.Danford,  Sup- 
erintendent of  The  Consolidated  Bonanza  Mines, 
at  Virginia  City.  He  is  a  model  gentleman,  a 
thorough  man  of  the  world  and  splendid  busi- 
ness manager.  He  invited  us  to  visit  his  mines 
and  we  have  accepted;  so  I  will  keep  this  letter 
open  until  our  return  in  order  to  give  you  an  ac- 
count of  our  journey. 

Thursday,  Jan.  21st.  1863. 

Oh  wjiat  a  splendid  time  we  have  had !  I  had 
no  idea  of  the  beauty  and  grandeur  of  mountain 
scenery  until  I  came  on  this  trip.  We  have 
climbed  higher,  higher  and  at  last  reached  the 
Queen  City  of  this  wonderful  region.  As  we 
slowly  wound  our  way  up  the  mountains,  long 
lines  of  teams  came  down  loaded  with  the  pre- 
cious ore  from  which  millions  were  to  be  ex- 
tracted.    Everything  was    bustle,  life,   activity. 

We  soon  reached  the  famous  Comstock  Lode. 
Great  piles  of  rock  were  to  be  seen  in  every 
direction,  most  of  which  was  ready  to  send  to  the 
mills.  When  all  was  ready  we  prepared  to  de- 
scend the  shaft  of  the  Comstock.  Down,  down 
we  went  until  day-light  disappeared  and  then  a 
faint  glimmer  from  the  "lower  level  lights"  was 
visible.  We  were  at  the  bottom  and  about  1000 
ft  below  the  surface  of  the  earth.    A  perce2)tible 


268    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

difference  in  temperature  exists  at  this  point  and 
bears  witness  to  the  theory  that  the  center  of  the 
earth  is  a  molten  mass  of  metals.  After  look- 
ing around  at  the  rich  deposits  of  silver  rock 
which  seemed  inexhaustible,  we  were  glad  to  a- 
gain  reach  terra  firma^  and    the  light  of  day. 

We  had  a  delightful  ride  down  the  mountain, 
and  as  the  stage  dashed  around  the  sharp  corners 
of  the  jutting  rock  we  could  look  up  and  see 
mountains  rising  and  towering  over  us  and  look- 
ing down  we  could  behold  a  yawning  chasm 
thousands  of  feet  deep,  ready  to  receive  ua,  if  our 
trusty  steeds  should  make  a  single  misstep,  and 
thus  at  once  close  our  earthly  career. 

Here  we  are  at  home  once  more  and  long  shall 
I  remember  my  visit  to  the  Comstock  Lode  and 
Yirginia  City.     1  shall  probably  go  to  San  Fran- 
cisco next  spring.     Love  to  you  and  yours, 
From  your  Sister, 
Julia  Burlingame. 

1  was  quietly  sitting  at  home  a  few  days  ago 
when  I  was  agreeably  surprised  to  receive  a  call 
from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bradish  on  their  way  home 
to  Chicago.  I  was  glad  to  hear  from  many  of 
our  party  who  had  gone  on  to  California  while 
we  had  remained  at  Salt  Lake. 

Mr.  Patrick  had  gone  on  to  the  Sandwich  Is- 
lands for  his  health,  Prof.   Belfield  was  engaged 


SAN   FRANCISCO.  269 

in  locating  and  working  mines  in  Calitbrnia,  and 
Mr.  Goodhue,  was  now  editor  of  a  leading  Daily. 

The  Brinks  were  living  in  Sacramento,  and 
Miss  Julia,  as  we  had  before  learned,  had  just 
been  married  to  a  leading  lawyer  in  San  Fran- 
cisco. We  had  heard  but  little  from  her  lately, 
she  being,  as  we  suppoeed,  too  busy  for  letter 
writing.  Mrs.  Bradish  now  gave  us  a  full  ac- 
count of  Miss  Julia's    stay  in  San    Francisco. 

She  said  "When  Miss  J  ulia  arrived,  she  was 
immediately  received  into  the  choicest  society  in 
the  city.  Capt.  and  Mrs.  Thome  became  much 
interested  iu  her  and  insisted  upon  making  her 
a  member  of  their  household.  They  have  one  of 
the  most  luxurious  homes  on  the  coast;  nothing 
that  money  can  buy  is  wanting  to  adorn  and 
beautify  it.  Miss  Julia  as  the  young  lady  friend 
of  Mrs.  Thome  was  the  admired  of  all  admirers. 

Her  wit,  learning,  beauty  and  accomplishments 
here  had  full  play.  She  conversed  in  several 
languages  with  the  Capt.'s  guests,  she  entertain- 
ed them  with  piano  music  and  accompanied  her 
lovely  voice  with  her  "light  guitar."  Many  ad- 
mirers hovered  around  her.  She  received  the 
attentions  of  all  with  charming  naivete  and  con- 
descension but  gave  no  decided  encouragement 
to  any.  Col.  Preigh  laid  his  heart  and  $100,000 
at  her  feet  but  she    kindly   told  him  that  she 


270  ADTENTDRES   IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

could  not  accept  him  but  should  always  regard 
him  as  a  good  friend.  Many  a  heart  pang  was 
endured  and  many  offers  made  only  to  be  reject- 
ed. Mining  kings,  millionaires  with  their  dia- 
monds, stocks,  gold  and  bonds  were  all  alike 
passed  by  and  Miss  Julia's  heart  remained  her 
own  possession.  But  lo,  a  new  Hichmond  came 
on  the  scene,  "Miss  Julia,"  said  Capt.  Thome 
at  an  evening  reception,  "allow  me  to  introduce 
to  you  Mr.  Rudolph  C.  Herriugton,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  San  Francisco  bar."  A  pleased  smile 
lighted  up  her  expressive  features  as  she  bowed 
gracefully  and  extended  her  jeweled  hand.  Mr. 
Herri ngton  was  at  once  struck  with  her  beauty, 
grace  and  many  accomplishments,  and  it  was  not 
difficult  to  see  that   the  admiration  was  mutual. 

He  is  a  most  excellent  man,  a  fine  scholar, 
with  a  keen  wit  and  brilliant  intellect.  He  is 
not  rich  but  has  what  is  better  than  money,  an 
ability  to  make  it.  This  acquaintance  was  not 
long  in  ripening  into  love  and  it  was  soon  un- 
derstood in  society  circles  that  the  Thome  Man- 
sion was  to  be  the  scene  of  a  brilliant  wedding. 

The  evening  came  at  length  and  society  was  in 
a  flutter.  Cards  were  out  for  a  large  reception, 
but  the  ceremony  was  to  be  performed  in  church. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Wiltheron  united  the  happy  pair 
and  then  the  invited  guests  repaired  to  the  man- 


THE  WEDDIHO.  271 

fiion  of  Capt.  Thome. 

A  most  beautiful  sight  greeted  onr  eyes  as  W9 
drew  up  before  the  house.  Colored  lights  re- 
flected from  prismatic  glass,  threw  a  most  be- 
witchiug  charm  over    all  surrounding  objects. 

The  chandeliers  were  composed  of  flowers  so 
arranged  that  their  own  natural  colors  Were  re- 
flected by  the  light. 

The  banquet  was  simply  superb  and  all  enjoy- 
ed the  hearty  hospitality  of  the  host.  But  every- 
thing must  come  to  an  end,  and  so  the  wedding 
over,  the  guests  departed,  one  by  one,  leaving 
our  hero  and  heroine  to  commence  the  battle 
of  life  much  as  all  those  wlio  have  gone  before 
and  as  all  those  will  who  shall  come  after  them." 


CHAPTEE  XXIII. 
From  Mrs.  Burlingame's  Journal.    ' 

THE  MieSIONAKIES  AND  TEE  MOBMONS. 

Gen.  Connor  has  sent  a  company  of  his  men 
up  to  Soda  Springs  to  establish  a  colony  of  the 
Morrisites  and  the  Federal  officers,  and  Gentile 
merchants  have  formed  a  joint  stock  company 
and  have  furnished  these  people  with  provisions, 
farming  implements,  seeds  and  everything  neces- 
sary to  enable  them  to  get  a  start. 

Mr.  Burlingame  has  gone  with  the  colony  to 
look  after  them,  lay  out  a  town  and  see  that  their 
rights  in  the  land  are  protected. 

The  day  that  Mr.  Burlingame  left  Salt  Lake 
City,  he  met  Elder  Briggs,  the  missionary  from 
^'The  True  Latter  Day  Saints,*'  who  have  remain-- 
ed  in  Illinois,  and  are  under  the  Presidencj  of 


ELDER   BRIGGS.  27B 

Joseph  Smith  Jr.  Elder  Briggs  is  President 
of  the  Twelve  Apostles  and  occupies  much  the 
same  position  that  Paul  did  in  the  early  church. 

Mr.  Burlingame  became  a  good  deal  interest, 
ed  in  his  plan  of  work  and  as  he  was  going  away 
he  told  the  Elder  that  he  had  better  call  and  see 
me  and  I  would  do  what  I  could  to  hielp  him. 

He  is  a  man  of  great  enei  gy  and  heroism,  and 
takes  hold  of  his  mighty  task  as  though  it  were 
but  the  work  of  a  summer  day.  Nowhere  can  be 
found  a  better  extmpliiicationof  the  self-sacrifice 
and  sublime  heroism  of  the  Christians  of  the 
Middle  Ages. 

I  said,  "Elder  Briggs  I  have  two  questions  to 
ask  you  before  I  can  promise  to  do  anything  to 
further  your  mission  here.  Have  you  come  here 
to  teach  loyalty  to  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  do  everything  in  your  power  to 
break  up  polygamy?" 

He  replied,  "The  fulness  of  time  has  come," 
when  the  true  church  with  the  son  of  our  dead 
Prophet  at  its  head  shall  again  be  established  and 
the  wicked  and  lustful    Pretender  overthrown. 

"I  am  here  to  uphold  the  laws  of  my  country 
and  to  break  up  that  "abomination"  which  Brig- 
ham  and  his  corrupt  satellites  have  engrafted  on 
the  church. 

"I  am  satisfied  that  your  mission  is  good  and 


274     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

I  will  do  all  I  can  do  to  help  you.  What  are 
the  doctrines  of  your  church?"  He  replied, 
"The  following  are  the  Articles  of  faith  of  the 
Church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints,  un- 
der the  Presidency  of  Joseph  Smith,  son  of  Jo- 
seph the  Martyr: 

"We  believe  in  God,  the  Eternal  Father,  and  his  Son  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

•*We  believe  that  men  will  be  punished  for  their  own  sins 
and  not  for  Adam's  transgressions. 

"We  believe  that  through  the  atonement  of  Christ,  all 
mankind  may  be  saved  by  obedience  to  the  laws  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel. 

**We  believe  that  these  ordinances  are:  1st.  Faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ;  2d.  Repentance;  3d.  Baptism  by  immer- 
sion for  the  remission  of  sins;  4th.  Laying  on  of  hands  for 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  6lh.  The  Lord's  Supper. 

'*We  believe  that  men  must  be  called  of  God,  by  inspi- 
ration, and  by  laying  on  of  hands  by  those  who  are  duly 
commissioned  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  administer  in  the 
ordinances  thereof. 

"We  believe  in  the  same  organization  that  existed  in  the 
primitive  church,  viz. :  Apostles,  Prophets,  Pastors,  Teach- 
ers, Evangelists,  &c. 

"We  believe  in  the  powers  and  gifts  of  the  everlasting 
gospel,  viz. :  the  gift  of  faith,  discoursing  of  spirits,  proph- 
ecy, revelation,  visions,  healing,  tongues  and  the  interpret- 
ation of  tongues,  wisdom,  charity,  brotherly  love,  tPc. 

"We  believe  the  word  of  God  recorded  in  the  Bible;  we 
also  believe  in  the  word  of  God  recorded  in  the  Book  of 
Mormon,  and  in  all  other  good  books. 

"We  believe  all  that  God  has  revealed,  all  that  he  does 
now  reveal,  and  we  believe  that  he  will  yet  reveal  many 
more  great  and  important  things  pertaining  to  the  kingdom 
God  and  Messiah's  second  coming. 

"We  believe  in  the  literal  gathering  of  Israel,  and  the  res- 
toration of  the  ten  tribes;  that  Zionwill  be  established  up- 
on the  Western  Continent;  that  Christ  will  reign  personally 
upon  the  earth  for  a  thousand  years;  and  that  the  earth 
will  be  renewed,  and  receive  its  paradisaical  glory. 
"We  believe  in  the  literal  resurrection  of  the  body;  that 


HUMAN   SACRIFICE.  275 

the  dead  in  Christ  will  rise  first,  and  that  the  rest  of  the 
dead  do  not  live  again  until  the  thousand  years  are  expired. 

"We  believe  in  being  subject  to  kings,  queens,  presi- 
dents, rulevs,  and  magistrates;  in  obeying,  honoring,  and 
sustaining  the  law. 

"We  believe  in  being  virtuous,  chaste",  temperate,  benev- 
olent, and  in  doing  good  to  all  men. 

' '  We  believe  the  church  in  Utah,  under  the  presidency  of  Brig- 
ham  Toung,  have  apostatized  from  the  true  order  of  fh  go^pd. 

"  We  believe  that  the  doctrines  of  polygamy,  human  sacrifice, 
or  killing  men  to  save  them,  Adam  being  Qod,  Utah  being  Zi- 
on,  or  ti'ie  gathering  place  for  the  saints,  are  doctnnes  of  devils, 
instituted  by  wicked  men,  for  the  accomplishment  of  their 
own  lustful  desires,  and  with  a  view  to  their  personal  ag- 
grandizement. 

"■We  believe  in  being  true  and  loyal  to  the  Qovei^nment  of  the 
United  States,  and  have  no  sympathy  or  fellowship  for  the 
treasonable  practices  or  wicked  abominations  indorsed  by 
Brigham  Young  and  his  followers." 

"It  is  claimed  here"  I  said  "that  polygamy  was 
established  by  Joseph  Smith,  and  practised  se- 
cretly and  that  the  Revelation  on  the  Celestial 
marriage  was  made  to  him/'  With  much  indig- 
nation he  replied  "This  is  but  one  of  the  false  and 
hellish  doctrines  that  Brigham  Young  has  foisted 
upon  the  Church.  He  has  arrogated  to  himself 
the  title  and  power  of  God.  He  has  promulga- 
ted the  terrible  doctrine  of  human  sacrifice  for 
the  remission  of  sins.  Jedediah  M.  Grant  sec- 
ond counselor   said  in  a  sermon  not  long  ago: 

"Brethren  and  sisters,  we  want  you  to  repent  and  forsake 
your  sins.  And  you  who  have  committed  sins  that  cannot 
be  forgiven  through  baptism,  let  your  blood  be  shed,  and 
let  the  smoke  ascend,  that  the  incense  thereof  may  come  up 
before  God  as  an  atonement  for  your  sins,  and  that  the  sin* 
ners  in  Zion  may  be  afraid." 


276       ,    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST.' 

Again: — 

*'"We  have  been  trying  long  enough  with  this  people,  and 
I  go  in  for  letting  the  sword  of  the  Almighty  be  unsheathed, 
not  only  in  word,  but  in  deed." 

In  accordance  with  such  bloody  teaching,  it 
is  said  that  an  altar  of  sacrifice  was  actually  built 
bv  Grant,  in  the  temple  block,  upon  which  these 
human  sacrifices  were  to  be  made.  On  the  2l6t 
of  September,  1856,  Grant  said; — 

"I  say  there  are  men  and  women  here  that  I  would  advise 
to  go  to  the  President  immediately,  and  ask  him  to  appoint 
a  committee  to  attend  to  their  case;  and  then  let  a  place  be 
selected,  and  let  that  committee  shed  their  blood." 

This  horrible  proposal  to  immolate  upon  the 
altar  of  sacrifice  the  erring  saints,  was  fully  en- 
dorsed by  Brigham  Young  as  follows: — 

"There  are  sins  that  men  commit  for  which  they  cannot 
receive  forgiveness  in  this  world, or  in  that  which  is  to  come; 
and  if  they  had  their  eyes  open  lo  see  their  condition,  they 
would  be  perfectly  willing  to  have  their  blood  spilt  upon  the 
ground,  that  the  smoke  thereof  might  ascend  to  Heaven  as 
an  offering  for  their  sins,  and  the  smoking  incense  would  a- 
toue  for  their  sins;  whereas,  if  such  is  not  the  case,  they 
will  stick  to  them,  and  remain  upon  them  in  the  spirit- world. 

**I  know,  when  you  hear  my  brethren  telling  about  cut- 
ting people  off  from  the  earth,  that  you  consider  it  is  strong 
doctrine.  It  is  to  save  them,  not  to  destroy  them.  1  will 
say  further,  I  have  had  men  come  to  me,  and  offer  their  lives 
to  atone  for  their  sins.  It  is  true  that  the  blood  of  the  Son 
of  God  was  shed  for  sins,  through  the  fall,  and  those  com- 
mitted by  man,  yet  men  can  commit  sins  which  it  can  never 
remit.  As  it  was  in  ancient  days,  so  it  is  in  our  day;  and 
though  the  principles  are  taught  publicly  from  this  stand, 


♦THte  BOOS  0^  MORMOIT.  S?? 

still  the  people  do  not  understand  them ;  yet  the  Law  is  pre- 
cisely the  same.  There  are  sins  that  can  be  atoned  for  by 
an  offering  upon  the  altar,  as  in  ancient  days,  and  there  are 
sins  that  the  blood  of  a  lamb,  of  a  calf,  or  of  turtle- doves  can- 
not remit,  but  they  must  be  atoned  for  by  the  blood  of  the 
man.  That  is  the  reason  why  men  talk  to  you  as  they  do 
from  this  stand.  They  understand  the  doctrine,  and  throw 
out  a  few  words  about  it." 

But  the  greatest  change  of  all  in  the  Mormon 
religion,  made  bj  Brigham  Young,  was  the  in- 
troduction and  establishment  of  polygamy. 

This  was  no  part  of  the  Mormon  system  of  re- 
ligion as  originally  established.  On  the  contrai  y 
it  was  expressly  repudiated  by  all  the  Mormon 
writers  and  speakers,  previous  to  1852,  and  in 
Europe  for  some  years  afterward. 

The  Mormon  religion  was  founded  by  Joseph 
Smith  and  his  coadjutors,  and  the  principles  and 
doctrines  of  the  religion  were,  in  the  first  instance 
such  as  they  established. 

The  Book  of  Mormon  nowhere  contains  a 
word  in  favor  of  it.  On  the  contrary  all  of  its 
principal  characters  were  monogamists.  Such 
was  Lehi,  the  patriarch  of  Mormon  history. 
Such  also  were  Ishmael  and  Nephi. 

"Behold  the  Lamanites,  your  brethren,  whom  ye  hate  be- 
cause of  their  filthiness  and  the  cursings  which  hath  come 
upon  their  skins,  are  more  righteous  than  you ;  for  they 
have  not  forgotten  the  commandment  of  the  Lord,  which 
was  given  unto  our  fathers,  that  they  should  have,  save  it 
were  one  wife,  and  concubines  they  should  have  none ;  and 


278  ADVENTURES   IN  THE  FAR  WESI?. 

there  should  not  be  whoredoms   committed  among  tBem. 

"And  now  this  commandment  they  observe  to  keep;  where, 
fore,  because  W  this  observance,  in  keeping  this  com- 
mandment: the  Lord  God  will  not  destroy  them,  but  will  be 
merciful  unto  them ;  and  one  day  they  shall  become  a  blessed 
people," 

As  if  to  place  this  matter  beyond  any  question 
we  have  the  following  still  more  explicit  testi- 
mony, pages  115  and  118; — 

"And  now  it  came  to  pass  that  the  people  of  Nephi,  under 
the  reign  of  the  second  king,  began  to  grow  hard  in  their 
hearts  and  indulge  themselves  somewhat  in  wicked  practices 
such  as  like  unto  David  of  old,  desiring  many  wives  and 
concubines,  and  also  Solomon  his  son. 

"The  word  of  God  burdens  me  because  of  your  grosser 

crimes.    For  behold,  thus  saith  the  Lord,  this  people  begin 

to  wax  in  iniquity;  they  understand  not  the  Scriptures;  for 

they  seek  to  excuse  themselves  in  committing  whoredoms, 

because  of  the  things  which  were  written  concernmg  David, 

and  Solomon  his  son.    Behold  David  and  Solomon  truly  had 

many  wives  and  concubines,  which  thing  was  abominable 

before  me,  saith  the  Lord ;  wherefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord 

» 
I  have  led  this  people  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Jerusalem,  by 

the  power  of  mine  arm,  that  I  might  raise  up  a  right-' 
ecus  branch  from  the  fruit  of  theioms  of  Joseph.  Where- 
fore, I  the  Lord  God,  will  not  suffer  that  this  people  shall  do 
like  unto  them  of  old.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  hear  me, 
and  hearken  to  the  word  of  the  Lord;  for  there  shall  not  any 
man  among  you  have,  save  it  be  one  wife;  and  concubines 
he  shall  have  none;  for  I,  the  Lord  God,  delighteth  in  the 
chastity  of  women.  And  whoredoms  are  an  abomination  be- 
fore me;  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts." 


BOCTniNE  AND  COVENANTS.  279 

.  Orson  Pratt,  the  ablest  writer  on  Mormon  the- 
ology, is  compelled  to  admit  that  the  Book  of 
Mormon  is  opposed  to  polygamy.    He  says; — 

'*Do  you  believe  that  tlio  Book  of  Mormon  is  a  divine  rev- 
elation ?  We  do.  Does  that  book  teach  the  doctrine  of  plu- 
rality of  wives?  It  does  not.  Does  the  Lord  in  that  book 
forbid  the  plurality  doctrine?  He  forbid  the  ancient  Neph- 
ites  to  have  any  more  than  one  wife." 

Let  us  now  turn  to  the  Book  of  Doctrine  and 
Covenants,  and  see  if  we  can  find  in  that  volume 
any  authority  for  polygamy.  The  following  pas- 
sages will  determine  the  question: 

"Thou  shalt  love  thy  wife  with  all  thy  heart,  and  shalt . 
cleave  unto  her,  and  none  else;  and  he  that  looketh  upon  a 
woman  to  lust  after  her,  shall  deny  the  faith,  and  shall  not 
have  the  spirit;  and  if  he  repents  not  he  shall  be  cast  out." 

Again.  In  1845,  the  year  after  Joseph's  death 
an  Appendix  was  authoritatively  added  to  the 
Book  of  Doctrine  and  Covenants,  containing  the 
following,  which  is  extracted  from  the  section  en- 
titled "Marriage" : 

2.  "Marriage  should  be  celebrated  with  prayer  and  thanks- 
giving-/ and  at  the  solemnization,  the  persons  to  be  married 
standing  together,"  etc.,  "he  [the person  officiating]  shall 
say,  calling  each  by  their  names,  'you  both  mutually  agree 
to  be  each  other's  companion,  husband  and  wife,  observing 
the  legal  rights  belonging  to  this  condition;  that  is,  keeping 
yourselves  wholly  for  each  other,  and  from  all  others,  during 
your  lives.'    ^dwhen  they  have  answered  'yes,' he  shall 


280    ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAH  WEST. 

pronounce  them  'husband  and  wife,'  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  by  virtue  of  the  laws  of  the  country,  and 
authority  vested  in  him. 

.  .  .  .  "Inasmuch  as  this  church  of  Christ  has  been 
reproached  with  the  crime  of  fornication  and  polygamy;  we 
declare  thst  we  believe  that  one  man  should  have  one  wife; 
and  one  woman  but  one  husband,  except  in  case  of  death, 
when  either  is  at  liberty  to  marry  again.  ' 

Can  any  thing  be  more  explicit  than  this?  Po- 
lygamy is  not  only  expressly  repudiated  by  the 
church,  but  is  classed  by  the  side  of  fornication  as 
a  crime. 

Thus  we  find  that  polygamy  is  contrary  to  both 
books  of  the  Mormon  Bible.  That  it  is,  in  fact, 
strongly  condemned  in  those  volumes. 

It  is,  therefore,  no  part  of  the  Mormon  religion 
as  given  to  the  world  by  Joseph  Smith . 

But  polygamy  is  practised  in  Utah.  "Whence 
did  it  arise,  and  upon  what  foundation  does  it 
rest'* 

Like  slavery,  and  all  other  great  social  evils, 
it  had  its  origin,  doubtless,  in  an  abuse  of  the  pas- 
sions of  man. 

It  was  first  publicly  announced  and  recommen- 
ded in  Utah  Territory  on  the  29th  of  August, 
1852,  by  Orson  Pratt  and  Brigham  Young,  at  a 
politico-religious  meetingheld  in  Great  Salt  Lake 
City. 

On   that  occasion.   President  Young  said: — 

"You  heard  Brother  Pratt  state,  this  morning,  that  a  Rev- 
elation would  be  read  this  afternoon,   which  was  given  pre- 


THE  REVELA'TION.  281 


vious  to  Joseph's  death.  It  contains  a  doctrine  a  small  por- 
tion of  the  world  is  opposed  to;  but  I  can  deliver  a  prophecy 
upon  it.  Though  that  doctrine  was  not  preached  by  the 
Elders,  this  people  have  believed  in  it  for  years. 

"The  original  copy  of  this  Revelation  was  burnt  up. 
William  Clayton  was  the  man  who  wrote  it  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Prophet.  In  the  meantime  it  was  in  Bishop  Whitney's 
possession.  He  wished  the  privilege  to  copy  it,  which  Bro- 
ther Joseph  Smith  granted.  Sister  Emma,  [wife  of  Joseph 
Smith],  burnt  the  original.  The  reason  I  mention  this  is 
because  that  the  people  who  did  know  of  the  Revelation,  sup- 
pose it  was  not  now  in  existence. 

"The  Revelation  will  be  read  to  you.  The  principle  spok- 
en upon  by  Brother  Pratt  this  morning,  we  believe  in, ' 

.  .  .  "Many  others  are  of  the  same  mind.  They  are 
not  ignorant  of  what  we  are  doing  in  our  social  capacity. 
They  have  cried  out  proclaim  it;  but  it  would  not  do  a  few 
years  ago ;  everything  must  come  in  its  time,  as  there  is  a 
time  to  all  things.     I  am  now  ready  to  proclaim  it. 

"This  Revelation  haff  been  in  my  possession  many  years 
and  who  has  known  it?  None  but  those  who  should  know 
it.  I  keep  a  patent  lock  on  my  desk,  and  there  does  not 
anything  leak  out  that  should  not." 

"I  think  you  have  made  it  very  plain  Elder 
Brig^s  that  Polygamy  and  all  these  horrid  doc- 
trines are  no  part  of  the  Mormon  faith,  but  have 
been  introduced  by  a  wicked,  lustful  and  design- 
ing man  to  enable  him  to  aggrandize  himself  and 
his  followers  at  the  expense  of  the  true  interests 
of  your  Church.  I  shall  do  all  I  can  to  aid  yon 
in  your  work  for  I  am  satisfied  that  a  large  ma- 
jority of  the  people  here  are  honest  and  would  do 
what  is  right  if  they  were  not  afraid  of  persecu- 
tion." 


282  ABVENTtJRfiS  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

"You  have  doubtless  heard"  said  he  "that  Brig- 
ham  has  denounced  Bro.  Mc  Cord  and  myself  in 
the  tajbernacle  and  forbidden  anybody  to  give  us 
shelter  under  their  roofs  or  to  permit  us  to  hold 
meetings  in  their  houses. 

"He  also  said  he  would  not  be  responsible  for 
our  safety,  which  is,  you  know,  equivalent  to  say- 
ing that  if  the  Danites  have  a  good  opportunity 
they  are  commanded  to  "cut  us  off."  We  have 
no  place  where  we  can  lay  our  heads  except  with 
a  poor  old  man  who  lives  in  a  hovel  with  a  dirt 
floor  and  no  one  dare  open  his  doors  to  us.  II 
we  preach  in  the  streets  we  shall  at  once  be  ar- 
rested." 

My  indignation  was  thoroughly  aroused,  and 
T  said,  "there  is  one  person  in  Salt  Lake  City 
who  is  not  afraid  of  Brigham  Young;  you  shall 
have  my  parlor  to  preach  in  and  let  Brigham  dare 
to  interfere." 

Elder  Briggs  expressed  his  gratitude  and  said 
the  Lord  would  bless  and  reward  me  and  after 
arranging  the  preliminaries  for  the  meeting,  took 
his  leave. 

Several  of  the  Federal  Officers  having  heard  of 
my  determination  have  called  to  remonstrate 
with  me  for  taking  such  risks.  They  said, 'Your 
husband  is  away  and  why  antagonize  the  mormons 
and  bring  on  yourself  their    bitter  hate?'     I  re- 


MEETINGS  OF  THE  JOSEPHITES.  283 

plied,  "Shall  I  stand  idly  by  and  see  these  men, 
who  have  come  here  to  rescue  the  people  from 
this  accursed  bondage,  driven  ontand  do  noth- 
ing to  assist  them?  No,  I  will  defy  the  des- 
pot and  these  men  shall  preach  in  my  house  and 
Brigham  Young  may  help  himself." 

The  Josephites  have  held  their  meetings  in  our 
house  all  winter.  At  first  they  were  very  thinly 
attended  but  as  the  missionaries  were  very  en- 
thusiastic and  preached  boldly  the  people  gained 
courage  and  large  numbers  flocked  to  hear  the 
"old  faith,"  which  they  had  first  embraced.  The 
numbers  increased  so  much  that  the  house  would 
not  hold  the  people  and  they  spread  into  the 
street.  Then  the  minions  of  Brigham  began  to 
annoy  them.  I  sent  word  to  Gen.  Connor  that 
peaceable  citizens  were  being  disturbed  when 
holding  services  on  the  Sabbath  and  requested 
him  to  afibrd  them  protection.  The  next  Sab- 
bath about  a  dozen  "boys  in  blue"  came  down  and 
mixed  among  the  congregation.  Gen.  Connor 
then  furnished  a  large  government  tent  which 
was  put  up  in  my  yard  about  four  feet  from  the 
house. 

In  this  tent  the  meetings  wei-e  afterwards  held 
and  large  numbers  joined  the  re-organized 
Church   of  Jesus   Christ  of  Latter   Day  Saints. 

During  this  time,  I  was  subjected  to  many  pet- 


284  ADVENTtJRES  IN  THE  ITAR  WEST. 

ty  annoy aDces.  My  door-key  was  stolen  and  I 
could  not  lock  the  front  door.  One  evening  one 
of  Brigham's  boys  attended  church  and  stole  my 
dried  beef.  I  started  with  one  of  the  Josephites 
to  follow  him  but  he  slid  through  the  fence  and 
disappeared.  One  of  the  children  was  out  play- 
ing with  the  children  of  a  mormon  family  and 
heard  a  man  say  that  "they  would  burn  down  that 
d — d  old  tent  to-night."  I  sat  up  expecting 
every  minute  to  see  the  flames  blaze  up.  It  was 
about  11  o'clock.  I  was  up  looking  over  letters 
and  papers  and  listening  intently.  I  heard  foot- 
steps on  the  porch.  Two  men  were  there  and  try- 
ing to  ascertain  if  anybody  was  awake.  I  had  a 
dim  light  burning  but  the  shutters  were  closed 
very  tight.  I  could  look  out  but  they  could  see 
nothing  inside.  My  heart  stood  still  and  I  was 
riveted  to  my  seat.  I  thought  a  moment  and  re- 
collected, that  the  front  door  was  not  locked  and 
that  if  they  chose  they  could  step  right  into  the 
house.  I  was  very  well  acquainted  with  a  mor- 
mon priest  who  lived  across  the  way  and  knew 
that  he  secretly  sympathized  with  the  Josephites 
and  so  I  sprang  to  my  feet  and  rushed  to  the  door 
and  with  great  noise  and  a  show  of  bravery  I  did 
not  feel,  opened  the  door  and  rushed  out.  The 
men  taken  by  surprise  by  the  sudden  movement 
sprang  over  the  bannisters  and  disappeared  in 


AN   AMERICAN  CITIZEN.  285 

the  bushes.  I  ran  across  to  the  High  Priest's 
house,  called  him  up  and  we  went  in  search  of 
the  marauders.  liothing  could  be  found  of  them 
and  so  I  watched  until  daybreak  before  lying 
down  to  get  a  little  rest.  Next  day  I  sent  to 
Gen.  Connor  and  told  him  h^  must  either  protect 
the  property  of  the  Government  or  take  it  away. 

He  sent  down  a  guard  after  tliat  who  slept  in 
the  tent  and  also  protected  my  house  and  family. 

He  twice  prepared  quarters  for  me  at  Carap 
Douglas  thinking  it  extremely  dangerous  for  me 
to  remain  among  the  mormons,  subject  as  I  was 
to  Brigham's  bitter  hate.  I  was  denounced  in 
the  "Deseret  News"  and  threatened  in  every  cov- 
ert way  in  order  to  frighten  me  into  leaving  the 
city  for  Brigham  said  he  would  rather  have  forty 
gentile  men,  than  one  gentile  woman  among  his 
people. 

Gen.  Connor  caused  to  be  conveyed  to  Brig- 
ham  the  information  that  "If  any  of  the  Federal 
officers  or  their  families  were  again  disturbed  or 
annoyed  by  his  people  he  should  have  only  twen- 
ty minutes  to  get  his  women  and  children  out  of 
the  Harem,  before  he  would  turn  his  cannon  on 
to  the  Prophet's  premises  and  raze  his  buildings 
to  the  ground."  My  friends  importuned  me  to 
leave  the  city  and  go  to  Camp  Douglas.  I  re- 
fused saying,   "I  am   an   American  Citizen   on 


286  ADVENTURES  IN  THE  'FAR  WEST. 

American  soil  and  under  the  protection  of  the 
Stars  and  Stripes,  and  I  will  not  be  driven,  and  . 
I  demand  protection  for  myself  and  family  until 
I  am  ready  to  leave  the  Territory."  The  battle 
of  words  and  pens  waxed  hot.  The  "Deseret 
News"  vs.  ''TheYedette,"  a  paper  in  the  interest  of 
the  Federal  officers  and  the  military.  D aring  the 
hottest  of  the  figlit  a  grand  review  was  held  at 
Camp  Douglas.  The  Cavalry  were  out  in  all 
their  glory  and  the  Infantry  marched  and  counter, 
marched,  pretty  close  to  the  city.  The  guns 
were  drawn  close  to  the  city  and  pointed  either 
by  design  or  otherwise  in  the  direction  of  the 
Harem.  Great  excitement  prevailed  and  again 
the  flag  of  distress  was  given  to  the  breeze  on 
tlie  Lion  House.  The  women  came  running  to 
me  in  tears  begging  that  I  would  use  my  infiu. 
ence  to  avert  the  impending  calamity.  I  told 
them  to  go  home  and  I  would  see  they  were  not 
injured.  Meantime  the  Josephites  increased  in 
numbers  and  ^'ceased  not  daily  to  teach  the  word 
baptizing  in  the  river  Jordan"  all  those  who 
would  be  saved  from  the  fatal  heresy  of  Brigham 
and  his  accomplices. 

But  the  tyrant  was  not  idle,  for  in  every  way 
known  to  savage  cruelty  he  persecuted  these  poor 
people.  He  ordered  the  Bishops  to  "kick  them 
out  of  their  wards"  to  get  up  quarrels  with  them 


THE   CURSE.  287 

cut  them  off  from  the  church  and  turn  them  o- 
ver  to  the  buffetings  ,of  Satan.   "The  formula  is, 

"In  the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Holy 
Priesthood,  which  I  possess,  I  cut  you  off  from 
the  church  and  curse  you  from  the  crown  of  your 
head  to  the  soles  of  your  feet  and  turn  you  over  to 
the  buffetings  of  Satan  for  a  thousand  years,  and 
pronounce  upon  you  and  your  children  and  your 
children's  children,  the  curse  of  Almighty  God. 
May  your  crops  wither  and  your  lands  become 
parched  with  drouth;  may  your  family  cry  for 
bread  with  none  to  succor;  may  your  substance 
vanish,  and  your  life  become  a  burden;  may  you 
be  cursed  in  your  members;  and  may  you  find  no 
pleasure  in  life,  and  unless  you  repent  may  your 
blood  be  shed  for  the  remission  of  your  sins,  in 
order  that  your  soul  be  saved  alive.  In  the  name 
of  the  Priesthood  and  with  the  sanction  of  Al- 
mighty God,  Amen." 

These  "Saints"  are  so  devout  that  they  have 
many  ways  of  assisting  the  Almighty  in  carry- 
ing out  his  threats.  One  poor  man  had  a  nice 
little  farm  and  garden  and  was  doing  well  when 
he  embraced  the  Josephite  faith.  The  Bishop 
soon  had  a  quarrel  pitched  with  him  about  his 
title  to  the  land.  He  had  in  the  Reformation, 
as  it  is  here  called,  consecrated  his  property  to 
the  church  or  in  other  words  deeded  it  to  Brigham 


288     ADVENTURES  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

Young  as  Trustee  in  Trust.  This  gave  the  Bish- 
op the  right  to  take  possession.  The  owner  was 
obliged  to  give  it  up  and  look  up  another  home. 

Another  man  could  get  no  water  for  his  farm 
and  of  course  the  Lord  cursed  it  with  drouth. 

This  country  is  watered  entirely  by  irrigation, 
and  the  ditches  are  owned  by  ,the  church  and  if 
a  man  is  not  in  good  standing  he  can  get  no  wa- 
ter. When  a  man  is  beyond  hope  of  repentance 
and  they  get  him  out  in  secret  they  disable  him 
in  such  a  way,  as  to  render  him  miserable  for  life. 

If  a  man  apostatizes  who  possesses  secrets 
which  would  be  very  damaging  to  the  Church 
they  have  such  a  lively  interest  in  his  soul  that 
they  shed  his  blood  on  the  altar  of  sacrifice.  Many 
a  man  and  woman  have  gone  into  the  Endow- 
ment House,  and  have  never  come  out,  and  their 
friends  know  well  their  fate,  but  so  terrible  is  the 
fear  and  so  cbsely  are  they  watched  that  they  are 
dumb. 

There  are  now  about  three  hund red  Josephites 
who  desire  to  leave  the  territory  and  the  govern- 
ment has  ordered  Gen.  Connor  to  furnish  them 
an  escort  of  mounted  men.  Several  of  them  iiave 
!^ome  money  which  they  have  placed  in  camp  for 
safety  and  which  the  mormons  have  tried  to  steal. 

Everything  that  could  be  got  away  from  them 
they  liave  taken  and  but  for  the  generosity  of  the 


LEAVING  SALT  LAKE.  289 

government  they  would  be  destitute  of  the  means 
of  living. 

As  there  will  be  nothing  more  that  I  can  do 
after  these  people  get  away  I  shall  leave  Salt  Lake 
about  the  same  time  they  do.  Mr.  Burlingame 
has  concluded  to  remain  in  Idaho  and  lias  resign- 
ed his  office  and  requested  the  Governor  to  send 
his  family  to  him  and  furnish  them  with  an  es- 
cort, as  it  would  be  unsafe  to  travel  through  the 
country  without. 

Gen.  Connor  is  about  sending  out  a  company 
of  Cavalry  to  hunt  Indians,  and  says  if  I  will 
go  along  as  far  as  they  go  he  will  furnish  me  a 
wagon  and  make  the  family  as  comfortable  as 
possible  and  furnish  me  an  escort  of  mounted 
men  from  there  on.  I  have  accepted  his  proposi- 
tion and  will  be  ready  to  go  when  the  company 
start.  I  told  the  General  that  I  had  seen  about 
everything  else  in  this  western  life  except  an 
Indian  fight  and  I  thought  I  would  try  that  now. 

Well,  at  last  I  have  turned  my  bac-k  on  the 
Saints.  The  Josephites  got  away  yesterday 
morning  and  a  happier  set  of  people  I  never 
saw  than  they  were  when  everything  was  ready 
for  a  start  with  the  government  escort  of  mount- 
ed men  to  accompany  them.  If  the  strong  arm 
of  the  law  could  be  kept  on  Brigham  and  his 
willing  dupes  for  a-few  years  this  whole  perplex- 


290  ADVENTURJCS    IN  THE  FAE  WEST. 

ing  question  could  be  settled.  Two  thirds  of  the 
people  wonld  embrace  original  Mormonism  and 
become  industrious  and  law  abiding  citizens. 

This  morning  bright  and  earlj  my  escort  rode 
up  with  the  establishment  which  is  to  convey 
myself  and  family  to  Idaho  City.  The  "boys" 
soon  got  everything  aboard  and  bidding  my  good 
friends  from  Camp  Douglas  farewell  I  gladly 
shook  the  dust  of  Salt  Lake  City  from  my  feet 
and  started  on  my  perilous  journey.  As  the  sun 
went  down  I  turned  my  eyes  once  more  to  look 
upon  one  of  the  loveliest  sights  I  ever  beheld. 

The  Great  Salt  Lake  lay  like  a  beautiful  mir- 
ror reflecting  the  mountains  in  their  grandeur 
and  verdure  upon  its  clear  bosom.  The  "City  of 
the  Saints"  with  its  broad  streets,  with  lofty  shade 
trees  on  either  side,  and  singing  rivulets  of  wa- 
ter flowing  down  each  side  walk,  its  well  built 
houses,  its  lovely  gardens  full  of  sweet  scented 
shrubs  and  blossoming  trees,  lay  snugly  nested 
in  the  valley  below,  forming  a  picture  never  to  be 
forgotten.  But  alas  that  this  Eden  of  beauty 
should  be  cursed  with  the  Upas  of  death  1  That 
despotism  of  the  worst  form  should  here  be  found, 
that  the  lives  and  property  of  all  the  citizens  are 
absolutely  under  the  control  of  one  man  and 
that  man  a  monster  of  iniquity  I  Alas  that  here 
in  this  lovely   valley  the  most  revolting  crimes 


GOOD  BYB.  291 

are  sanctioned  by  a  religion  that  holds  its  vota- 
ries like  the  vice  of  hell.  'Tis  true  that  to  the  eye 
of  a  stranger  everything  appears  lovely  but  like 
the  whited  sepulcher  "within  it  is  full  of  dead 
men's  bones."  A  true  home  is  a  stranger  to 
this  valley,  marriage  is  stripped  of  every  senti- 
ment that  makes  it  holy,  innocent    and  pure. 

Man  is  a  monster  of  selfishness  and  lust,  and 
woman  is  his  victim.-*:  When  I  have  looked  into 
the  faces  of  these  women  and  have  seen  the  hope- 
less, lifeless,  woe-begone  expression  there,  or  the 
indifferent,  even  reckless  look,  my  heart  has 
yearned  to  help  them  in  some  way  to  extricate 
themselves  from  this  cruel  bondage.  Farewell, 
my  poor  sisters,  do  not  despair,  "there  will  yet 
arise  a  lightsout  of  darkness." 

1  bid  good  bye  to  the  lovely  valley  and  its  peo- 
ple, to  the  many  kind  hearts  and  true,  that  it  con- 
tains and  turn  to  new  and  untried  scenes  feeling 
that  there  is  still  danger  and  adventure  in  the 
future  as  great  and  exciting  as  in  the  past. 


THE  ENDu 


APPENDIX. 

A  PANORAMIC  VIEW  OF  MOEMONISM. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORY. 

1805,  December  23.  Joseph  Smith,  jun.,  bom  at  Sharon, 
Windsor  county,  Vermont. 

1815.  April.  His  father  and  family  remove  to  Palmyra, 
Wayne  county.  New  York. 

1820.  March.    Many  revivals  of  religion  in  western  New 
York,  and  Smith's  mind  becomes  disturbed. 
Under  the  preaching    of  Rev.  Mr.  Lane  he  becomes 
partial  to  the  Methodists. 

April.  Smith  pretends  to  receive  his  first  vision  while 
praying  in  the  woods.  He  asserts  that  God  the  Fa- 
ther and  Jesus  Christ  came  to  him  from  the  hfeavens; 
and,  hke  Mohammed's  Gabriel,  told  him  that  his  sins 
were  forgiven;  that  he  was  the  chosen  of  God  to  re- 
instate his  kingdom  and  re-introduce  the  gospel;  that 
none  of  the  denominations  were  right,  etc 

1823.  September  21.  Smith  says  that  an  angel  came  to  him 
while  he  was  in  bed,  and  told  him  of  the  existence 
and  preservation  of  the  history  of  the  ancient  inhab- 
itants of  America,  engraved  on  plates  of  gold,  and  di- 
rected him  where  to  mid  them. 


294  CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORt. 


September  22.  Goes  as  directed  and  discovers  them 
in  a  stone  box,  in  a  hill  side  between  Manchester  and 
Palmyra,  western  New  York.  He  attempts  to  take 
them,  but  is  prevented.  The  devil  and  angels  eon- 
tend  about  hmi;  devil  is  whipped  and  retreats:  he  re- 
ceives many  instructions  from  the  kngel  and  begins 
preparing  himself  for  his  future. 
1827.  January  18.  Smith  married  to  Miss  Emma  Hale,  af- 
terward "Lady  elect  of  the  Church." 

1829.  April  17.    Translation  recommenced,  Oliver  Cowdery 

acting  as  clerk. 

May  5.  Smith  states  that  John  the  Baptist  came  and 
ordained  Cowdery  and  himself  "priests;"  and  com- 
manded them  "to  baptize  and  afterward  re-ordain 
each  other." 

1830.  Smith  was  ordained  Apostle  by  Peter,  James,  and 

J(Mn. 

April  6.  The  Mormon  Church  organized  at  Manches- 
ter, New  York,  and  consisted  of  J.  Smith,  sen.,  Hi- 
ram and  Samuel  Smith,  0.  Cowdery,  Joseph  Knight 
and  J.  Smith,  jun.  Martin  Harris,  one  of  the  wit- 
nesses, not  being  one  among  them! 

1830.  June.    First  conference  at  Fayette,  New  York. 
August.    Parley  P.  Pratt  and  Sidney  Rigdon  convert- 
ed to  Mormonism. 

December.     Smith  is  visited  by  Rigdon. 

1831.  January.    The  Church  commanded  to  move  to  Kirt- 

land,  Ohio,  where  Rigdon  had  abody  of  persons  con- 
verted to  Mormonism  as  a  nucleus. 

May.    The  Elders  sent  out  by  twos  to  preach. 

June  7.     The  first  endowment  given ;  Elders  much 

'disappointed  in  their  expectations.  Many  ordain- 
ed and  sent  out  to  preach.  New  branches  growing 
up  rapidly. 

June  17.  Smith  and  party  start  for  Missouri  to  search 
for  a  location  for  "Zion.' 

August  8.  Zion  determined  to  be  in  Independence, 
Jackson  county.  Mo.  Smith  dedicates  the  "Temple 
block;"  names  the  place  "The  New  Jerusalem,"  and 
returns  to  Kirtland. 


OHBONOLOGICAL  HISTORY.  295 


August  27.  "The  Kirtland  Safety  Society  Bank," 
store,  mill,  andother  mercantile  operations  commenc- 
ed by  Smith. 

1832.  Februaiy  16.    Smith  and  Sidney  Rigdon  pretend  to 

see  in  a  vision  the  whole  destiny  of  man,  and  his  dif- 
ferent degrees  of  glory  and  punishment. 
March  22.    Smith  mobbed,  tarred  and  feathered  for 
dishonorable  dealing. 

April  2.  Smith  visits  Jackson  county,  Mo.,  where 
matters  are  in  disorder. 

1833.  March  8.    The  first  presidency  organized  by  the  ap- 

pointment oi"  Sidney  Rigdon  and  Frederic  G.  Wil- 
.   Dams  as  Smith's  counselors. 

July  23.  The  foundation  of  Kirtland  Temple  laid  by 
Smith.  The  mob  at  Independence,  Jackson  county. 
Mo.,  rise  against  the  Mormons,  and  extort  a  promise 
of  half  to  leave  by  January,  and  all  by  April,  1834. 

October  30.  The  mob  destroys  ten  Mormon  houses. 
Twoof  the  mobbers  are  killed  by  the  Saints.  This 
was  the  first  blood  shed,  and  the  Mormons  shed  it. 

November.  The  Mormons  fly  from  Jackson,  and  are 
kindly  received  in  Clay  county,  Mo. 

1834.  February  20.     Smith  goes  with  companies  from  Kirt- 

land to  Missouri,  to  the  relief  of  the  Saints;  organ- 
izes a  small  army,  and  begins  to  dream  of  physical 
conquest  and  temporal  sovereignty. 
May  4.  Mormon  Church  first  called  "The  Church  of 
Jesus  Christ  of  Latter-Day  Saints"  by  Sidney  Rigdon 
at  a  convention  at  Kirtland.     • 

July  9.  Smith  returns  to  Kirtland,  where  his  pres- 
ence began  to  be  needed. 

1835.  February  14.    The  first  quorum  of  the  Twelve  Apos- 

tles ordained  atKii-tland;  and  among  them  Brigham 
Young  and  Heber  C.  Kimball. 
Classes  of  instniction  and  school  of  Prophets  com- 
menced. Sidney  Rigdon  delivers  six  lectures  on  Faith 
generally  attributed  to  J.  Smith,  being  unaccredited 
to  their  author,  and  bound  m  the  book  of  Smith's 
Revelations  [Doctrines  and  Covenants]. 


CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORY.  296 


1836.  March  27.    The  Kirtland  Temple,  finished  at  a  cost  of 
.  $40,000,  is  dedicated;  at  which  Smith  pretends  to  see 

Moses,  EHas,  and  Elijah,  who  give  him  different 
"keys"  of  priesthood,  which  guarantied  to  their  pos- 
sessors unlimited  power  in  spiritual  and  temporal 
things. 

1837.  June  1.    0.    Hyde  and  Kimball  appointed  to  go  to 

England  as  missionaries. 
''November.    Smith's  Kirtland  Safety  Society  Bank 

broke,  store  seized,  goods  sold,  and  himself  insolvent. 
1838.  Januaiy  12.    Smith  and  Rigdon  run  away  in 

the  night  from  their  creditors  in  Ohio,  who  were 

threatening  their  arrest  for  fi-aud. 
July  4.    Sidney  Rigdan,  in  an  anniversary*  oration, 

familiarly  called  by  the  Mormons  "Sidney's  Salt^er- 

mon,"  threatens  the  Mornion  enemies  and  apostates 

with  physical  violence. 

1838.  July  4.    The  Danite  Band,    or  United  Brothers  of 

Gideon,  organized,  and  placed  under  the  command 
of  David  Patten,  an  Apostle,  who  assumed  the  alias 
of  Captain  Feamot. 

September  30.  The  militia,  to  avenge  the  death  of 
their  comrades,  brutally  attack  the  Mormon  women 
and  children  at  Hawn's  Mill,  shooting  them  down 
and  burning  the  houses,  and  committing  other  bar^ 
barous  atrocities  on  the  women. 

November.  The  Saints  are  kindly  received  at  Quin- 
cy,  Illnois. 

Smith  arrested  and  about  to  be  shot  by  the  excited 
military,  but  is  handed  over  to  the  civil  authorities 
and  is  subsequently  released. 

1839.  March  25.     Brigham    Young    and  others  relay  the 

foundation  of  the  Temple  at  Independence,  Jackson 
county,  Mo. 

May  9.  Smith  goes  to  Commerce,  111.,  by  invitation 
of  Dr.  Isaac  Galland,  of  whom  he  obtains  gratis  a 
large  tract  of  land,  to  induce  him  to  settle  there  with 
the  people.  .     - 


CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORY.  297 


September.  Biigham  Young,  H.  C  Kimball  and 
others  leave  for  England  as  missionaries;  0.  Hyde 
although  previously  appointed  by  * 'revelation,"  not 
accompanying  them. 

October.  Smith  and  others  go  to  Washington,  to  try 
and  obtain  redress  from  Congress  for  their  injuries  in 
Missouri. 

The  town  of  Commerce  chosen  a  "Stake  of  Zion"  by 
Smith. 
1840.  April  21.    Commerce  changes  its  name  to  Nauvoo. 
October  3.     Mormons  begin  preparing  to  build  the 
Temple,  and  petition  the  State  Legislature  of  Illi- 
nois for  the  incorporation  of  Nauvoo. 
184L  February  4.    Nauvoo  incorporation  act,   passed  in 
the  preceding  winter,  begins  to  be  in  force.    Nauvoo 
Legion  organized.    J.Smith,  Lieutenant-General. 
April  6.     The  foundation  stones  of  Nauvoo  Temple 
laid  by  Smith,  with  grand  military  parade. 
1842.  May  6.     Governor  L.  W.  Boggs  of  Missouri  shot  at 
by  Orrin  Porter  Rockwell  [now  at  Salt  Lake  City]. 

1844.  February  7.    J.  Smith,  as  a  candidate  for  the  Pres- 

idency of  U.  S.,  issues  his  address. 

May  6.  Smith  and  party  destroy  tlffe  material  o| 
"The  Expositor." 

June  24.  The  arms  are  demanded  from  the  citizens 
of  Nauvoo  by  the  Governor  of  Illinois. 

June  27.  Joseph  Smith,  Jr.,  and  his  brother  Hiram 
are  shot  in  jail  at  Carthage,  Illinois,  by  a  gang  of 
Missourians. 

August  15.  Tne  Twelve  Apostles,  with  Brigham 
Young  at  their  head,  assume  the  presidency  of  the 
Church;  and  address,  as  such,  an  epistle  to  the 
"Saints  in  all  the  world." 

October  7.  Brigham  Young's  authority  is  fully  rec- 
ognized by  the  majority  of  the  Mormon  people. 
Rigdon  and  all  the  contumacious  members  cut  oil", 
cursed,  "and  delivrt^te^tii  the  devil  to  be  bufleled 
in  the  flesh  foi'a    tnSusand  yearsl"    by  Brigham. 

1845.  Janfiarjr.     Nauvoo  charter  is  repealed  by  the  State 

LegaJQature. 


298  CHRONOLOGICAL  mSTOEY. 


February.  Brigham  Young  and  the  Mormon  author 
ities  begin  to  seriously  contemplate  a  general  move 
to  the  west, 
.  John  Taylor,  an  Apostle,  proposes  Van  Couver's  Isl- 
and, in  British  America,  Lyman  Wright,  also  then 
an  Apostle,  proposes  Texas.  Others  suggest  Ciili- 
fornia,  then  but  little  known.  Much  dissension  as  to 
locality.  Some  valley  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  final- 
ly selected. 

May.  The  cap-stone  of  the  Moi*mon  Temple  laid: 
endowments  soon  after  begin. 

1846.  January.     Baptism  for  the  dead  administered  in  the 

River  Mississippi. 

20.  Pioneers  leave  Nauvoo  to  find  some  resting-place 
on  the  borders  of  Iowa.    They  select  Council  Bluffs. 

February.  Mormon  companies  cross  the  ice-covered 
river  en  route  for  Council  Bluffs. 

July.  Brigham  Ycung  sells  a  company  of  his  breth- 
ren as  a  Mexican  Battalion,  for  $20000. 

September.  Nauvoo,  in  which  many  of  the  Mor- 
mons were  remaining,  besieged  by  the  mob. 

1847.  April  14.     The  pioneers  leave  their  winier  quarters, 
^  Coundl  Bluffs,  Iowa,  for  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and 

by  following  the  trail  of  Col,  Fremont,  arrive  at 
Salt  Lake. 

July  23.    Orson  Pratt  and  a  few  arrive  at  the  valley. 

24.  Brigham  and  main  body  of  pioneers  enter.  This 
day,  instead  of  the  23d,  is  always  celebrated,  as  a 
compliment  to  Brigham,  a  species  of  sycophancy  ve- 
ly  customary  from  the  Mormon  people  toward  the 
Mormon  Prophet. 

Deceniber  24.  Brigham  Young  nominated  "Presi- 
dent of  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Latter  Day 
Saints  in  all  the  World,"  at  a  special  conference. 
He  appoints  Heber  C.  Kimball  and  Willaid  Richards 
as  his  coadjutors. 

1848.  April.  6.    His  appointment  confirmed  at  the  General 

Conference  at  Kanesville,  Iowa. 
May.    The  Saints  start  for  Salt  Lake  City,   where 
they  arrive  in  the  fall. 


Oheonologioal  history.  299 


1849.  March  6.  Convention  held  at  Salt  Lake  City;  Con- 
stitution of  State  of  Deseret  drafted  by  them,  and 
Legislature    elected  under  its  provisions. 

July  2.  They  send  delegates  to  Washington  to  pre- 
sent Constitution  and  Petition  for  admission  mto 
the  Union  as  a  "sovereign  and  independent  State." 

August.  Capt.  Stansbury,  T.  E.,  amved,  to  make 
survey  of  the  valleys,  and  of  Salt  Lake. 

September  9.    Bill  organizing  Utah  Territory,  signed 
by  President  Fillmore. 
1860.  February.     Brigham   takes  oath  of  office  as  Gover- 
nor of  Utah  Territory  and  Superintendent  of  Jndian 
Affairs,  having  been  appointed  by  President  Fillmore. 

April  5.    Assembly  met,  and   State  of  Deseret  was 
merged  into  Territory  of  Utah. 
June  5.     "Deseret  News"   commenced,    under  edit- 
orial charge  of  Dr.  Willard  Richards,  "a  prophet, 
seer,  and  revelator." 

September.  Judges  Brochus,  Day,  Brandenburg,  and 
Mr.  Secretary  Harris  arrive  at  Salt  Lake. 

22.     Mr.    Brochus    insults    the     people.    Brigham 
threatens  violence,  and  the  Judges  leave  Utah. 
1851.    The  Salt  Lake  Tabernacle  built. 

1853.  February  14.    Temple  excavations  commenced. 
April  6.    Comer  stones  of  Temple  laid. 

1854.  August.    Colonel    Steptoe     and    soldiers    arrive  at 

Utah. 

1855.  May.     Colonel  Steptoe,  having  resigned    the  gover- 

norship of   Utah,    left  with   troops  for    Caliloriiia. 
August.     Judge  Drummond,  General  Burr,  Survey- 
or-General, and  otber  U.  S.  olficials  arrive  at  Salt 
Lake. 

1856.  May.    Judge  Drummond  left. 

1857.  The  mormons  in  open  rebellion. 

July.  Governor  A.  Gumming,  Chief  Justice  D.  R. 
Eckels,  Associate  Justices,  John  Cradlebaugh  and 
Charles  E.  Sinclair,  and  Sec.  John  Hartnett,  ap- 
pointed. 

September.    An  army  of  3000  men  is  armed   and 


800  CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORY. 


equipped,  and  ordered  to  march  for  Utah  under 
command  of  Col.  A.  S.  Johnston.  The  Mountain 
Meadow  massacre.  Brigham  Young  declares  mar- 
tial law. 

1858.  The  Mormons  victorious  and  the  Governor  and 
President  outwitted.  The  Mormons  graciously  ac- 
cept pardon  and  deign  to  allow  the  troops  to  pass 
through  Salt  Lake  City  in  safety. 
The  Mormon  war,  costing  twenty  miUions  a  dis- 
graceful fiasco.  Cumming  nominated  Governor. 
The  "war"  over,  the  Courts  undertake  to  do  business 
but  are  frustrated  and  prevented  as  usual  by  the 
mormons.  Judge  Cradlebaugh  attempts  to  bring 
the  perpetrators  of  the  Mountain  Meadow  massacre 
to  punishment  but  fails. 

1860.  John  F.  Kinney  appointed  Chief  Justice  to  succeed 
Eckels.  Judges  (/rosby  and  Flenniken,  appointed. 
October.  John  W.  Dawson  appointed  to  succeed 
Cumming  as  Governor.  The  mormons  get  a  "hook 
in  his  nose"  and  send  him  flying  out  of  the  Ter- 
ritory. 

1862.  Stephen  S.  Harding  appointed  Governor.  Thomas 
J.  Drake  and  Charles  B.  Waite  appointed  Associate 
Justices.  The  Anti-Polygamy  Bill  passed.  The 
Governor's  message  denouncing  Polygamy.  Mor- 
mons indignant.  Judge  Waite  draws  a  Bill  to  a- 
mend  the  Organic  act  which  causes  great  excitement 
among  the  mormons.  An  indignation  meeting  held 
and  the  Governor  and  Judges  denounced  and  threat- 
ened and  asked  to  resign. 

These  officers  decline  to  leave.    Mob  violence. 

1863.  Hon.  John  Titus  appointed  to  succeed  Chief  Justice 
Kinney,  elected  as  Delegate  to  Congress  from  Utah. 

Jan.  29.  Gen.  Connor  fights  the  battle  of  Bear  Riv- 
er.   Brigham  Young  takes  another  wife. 

1864.  James  Duane  Doty  appointed  to  succeed  Harding. 
Governor  Doty's  death. 

1865.  Charles  Durkee  his  Successor. 
*1869.    Col.  Shafer  appointed  Governor. 


OHEONOLOGICAL  HISTORY. 


801 


1872.    George  L.  Woods  appointed  to  succeed  Shafer. 

1875.  July  1.     George  W.  Emery  appointed. 

1880.  Jan.  27.    Eli  H.  Murray,  Governor. 

1882.  March  15.    The  Edmunds  Anti-polygamy  Bill  passed 

both   houses   of   Congress.    Signed  by   President 

Arthur. 

Substance  of  the  Bill. 

The  main  provisions  of  the  Edmund  Bill  are:  That  any 
person  who  has  a  wife  living,  who  marries  again  in  a  Ter- 
ritory, is  subject  to  a  fine  of  not  more  than  $500  and  to  im- 
prisonment not  more  than  five  years ;  that  any  male  person 
in  a  Territory  who  cohabits  with  more  than  one  woman,  is 
subject  to  a  fine  of  not  more  than  $300,  or  to  imprisonment 
for  not  more  than  six  months,  or  to  both  fine  and  imprison- 
ment; that  any  person  who  has  been  living  m  the  practice 
of  bigamy,  polygamy  or  unlawful  cohabitation  with  more 
than  one  woman,  may  be  challenged  as  a  juror,  in  trials  un- 
der this  and  similar  laws ;  or  he  may  be  challenged  it  he  be- 
lieves these  acts  to  be  right;  that  the  President  may  grant 
amnesty  to  those  who  have  committed  any  of  these  ofiences 
before  the  passage  of  this  act;  that  the  issue  of  Mormon 
marriages  born  before  January  1st  1883,  are  legitimate;  that 
no  person  guilty  of  either  of  these  offences  shall  be  entitled 
to  vote  or  hold  office  in  any  Territory;  that  a  board  of  five 
persons  is  to  be  appointed,  who  are  to  make  all  necessary 
provisions  for  an  election  of  a  new  Legislative  Assembly, 
to  be  composed  of  persons  qualified  according  to  this  act. 
What  the  mormoms  Think  op  it. 

Salt  Lake,  March  15.— The  Deseret  News  says  of  the 
Edmunds  bill:     "It  is  regarded  by  the  Mormon  people  as 


302  THE    MORMON  PROBLEM. 

a  scheme  lO  place  the  control  of  public  offices  in  Utah  in 
the  hands  of  the  Gentiles— not  as  an  honest  attempt  to  sup- 
press polygamy.  The  only  concern  felt  is  with  regard  to 
the  provisions  which  will  affect  all  classes  alike,  rather  than 
those  which  are  ostensibly  aimed  at  polygamy,  for  the  for- 
mer are  a  departure  from  the  Constitution,  and  the  purpose 
manifested  to  disregard  its  limitations  in  order  to  break  down 
a  religious  organization  argues  an  entire  departure,  at  no 
distant  day,  from  the  principles  upon  which  the  safety  of 
this  Government  depends.  The  thing  over  which  the  coun 
try  has  enraged  itself  will  remain  comparatively  untouched. 
The  people  who  have  been  holding  meetings  and  signing  pe- 
titions had  one  thing  in  view,  the  Iramers  of  the  Edmunds 
bill  another.  It  will  be  found  that  the  public  has  been 
fooled,  while  the  plotting  politicians  have  succeeded  so  far 
in  their  endeavors.  But,  though  they  have  apparently 
gained  a  victory,  time  and  the  workings  of  the  law  will 
evolve  troubles  that  tliey  have  not  counted  upon,  and  there 
is  a  power  at  work  in  Mormonism  whieh  they  always  leave 
out  of  their  calculations.  That  power  is  beyond  the  con- 
trol of  Congress  and  courts,  and  will,  in  the  future  as  in  the 
past,  overrule  every  thing  that  is  done  or  attempted,  so  that 
it  will  redound  to  the  benefit  of  the  system  and  the  good 
of  its  adherents." 

We  are  again,  after  more  than  thirty  years  of 
temporizing  and  trifling,  face  to  face  with  the 
Mormon  problem.  When  Millard  Fillmore  in 
1850.  signed  the  bill  erecting  Utah  into  a  Ter- 
ritory and  endorsed  the  infamy  by  making  Brig- 
ham  Young  its  Governor,  he  gave  countenance 
and  character  to  the  worst  form  of  domestic  ty- 
ranny, and  struck  a  blow  at  republican  institu- 
tions which  he  regretted  to  his  dying  day. 

From  that  day  to  the  present  time  the  Govern- 


HOODWINKING  THE  GOVERNMENT.         303 

ment  has  been  hood-winked   and  out-witted  by 
these  people  and  it  remains  to  be  seen  whether 
Congress  has  not  again  left  a  loop-hole  through 
which  these  oily,  wily  and  desperate  leaders  will 
manage  to  slip  and  evade  the  law  and  still  car- 
ry on  their  nefarious  system  in  spite  of  all  law. 
The  Territorial  Legislature  has  always  been  in 
Utah,  like  the  fifth  wheel  to  a  coach ;   the  Legis- 
lature of  the  "State  of  Deseret,"  being  the  de  fac 
to  law  making  power.    The  "State  Legislature," 
being  composed  of  the  same  parties,  meets  and 
passes  all  laws  and  upon  its  adjournment  the  Ter- 
ritorial Legislature  convenes  and  sanctions  what 
the  former  have  done,  n(>t  because  they  consider 
it  of  any  more  binding  force  but  in  order  to  keep 
up  appearances,  and  draw  the  Government  mon- 
ey.    Hereafter,  if  these  old  polygamists  cannot 
control  the  Territoral  Legislature  they  will  en- 
tirely ignore  it.     Butf  they  will  control  it  because 
they  have  the  money  and  influence  to  do  it. 

A  large  majority  of  the  Mormon  men  have 
never  been  in  Polygamy  and  never  desire  to  be. 
The  leaders  do  not  encourage  it.  Only  the 
faithful  few  who  can  be  trusted  and  made  useful 
are  allowed  more  than  one  wife.  The  most  de- 
sirable women  are  appropriated  by  a  few  prom- 
inent men  and  hence  so  many  single  men  in  Utah. 
.  They  will  not  take  the  leavings.     Undoubtedly 


304  NIHILISM. 

all  the  marriageable  women  have  been  rushed 
through  the  endowment  and  sealed  to  some  of 
these  prominent  men.  As  the  present  bill  is  not 
retroactive  they  will  be  all  right  and  will  be  in 
a  position  to  seek  some  way  of  foiling  the  gov- 
ernment before  there  is  another  relay  of  wives 
ready.  Desperate  diseases  require  desperate 
remedies  and  it  is  greatly  to  be  feared  that  some 
treatment  more  radical  and  severe  will  be  neces- 
sary, to  remove  from  our  body  politic  this  loath- 
some cancer  which  is  making  fearful  inroads  on 
our  political  life. 

Polygamy  involves  many  difficulties  not  ap- 
parent. The  Nihilism  of  Russia  is  the  nearest 
to  a  parallel  with  Utah  Mormonism  in  America. 

What  we  see  and  know  is  not  what  we  have  to 
fear.  A  most  thoroughly  organized  secret  poHce, 
penetrating  into  every  nook  and  corner  and  show- 
ing its  hideous  work  where  we  had  least  looked 
for  it,  is  the  real  power  with  which  we  have  to 
deal.  When  traveling  in  an  Indian  country 
there  is  nothing  to  fear  so  long  as  the  savages 
come  around  your  tent  and  beg  or  steal  whatev- 
er they  can  find,  but  when  you  are  in  their 
country  and  you  see  nothing  of  them  it  is  then 
that  picket  guards  are  thrown  out  and  every  pre- 
caution taken. 

The  first  great  barrier  against  the  overthrow  oi* 


MORMONS   AND   INDIANS.  805 

Polygamy  is  the  power  of  weal tli;  when  a  move 
was  made  in  1863,  to  arrest  Yonng  for  violating 
the  law  of  1862,  the  Gentile  merchants,  and  of- 
ficers of  the  overland  mail  and  telegraph  com- 
panies were  very  active  and  zealous  in  their  ef- 
forts to  quiet  the  affair,  and  they  succeeded. 

The  Indians  are  all  in  league  with  the  Mor- 
mons. They  are  the  lost  Ten  Tribes,  according 
to  the  Book  of  Mormon,  and  they  have  nearly  all 
embraced  the  faith,  and  taken  their  endowments 
and  are  ready  to  obey  the  commands  of  the  lead- 
ders  at  a  moments  notice.  Nearly  all  the  mur- 
ders laid  to  Indians,  have  been  ordered  and  en- 
gineered by  the  Mormon  Secret  Oedees,  the  In- 
dians merely  acting  as  stool   pigeons  for  them. 

This  was  notably  the  case  with  the  Mountain 
Meadow  massacre. 

The  latest  example  of  this  principle  was  at 
or  near  Fort  Apache  in  September  last,  in  which 
many  valuable  lives  were  lost.  From  the  report 
in  the  San  Francisco  Chronicle  we  quote: 

Tucson,  •  Sept.  3.  Fort  Apache,  near  where  the  massacre 
occurred,  is  210  miles  from  Tucson.  The  country  is  moun- 
tainous and  full  of  canons,  suitable  for  ambushing  and  sur- 
prising the  enemy.  There  are  many  strongholds  in  the 
mountains,  in  •which  a  mere  handful  of  determined  men 
could  successfully  resist  the  advance  of  a  hundred  times 
their  number.  The  Apache  country  is  settled  almost  en- 
tirely by  mormons,  and  it  is  reported  here  that  there  is  an 
understanding  between  them  and  the  Indians.    The  excite- 

BANCROFT 


306  PRESIDENT   GARFIELD. 

ment  in  Tucson  is  intense,  and  there  is  talk  of  organizing  a 
force  of  volunteers  and  proceeding  against  the  San  Carlos 
Agency.  Universal  indignation  is  expressed  at  the  conduct 
of  Indian- Agent  Tiffany.  He  has  studiously  denied  that 
there  was  any  danger  of  trouble,  and  repeatedly  asserted 
that  none  of  the  agency  Indians  were  off  the  reservation. 

It  is  claimed  by  those  well  informed  in  the  matter  that 
so  large  a  body  of  Indians  could  not  be  absent  with- 
out knowledge  of  the  agent,  and  had  he  informed  the  mil- 
itary of  the  fact,  the  disaster  would  doubtless  have  been 
averted. 

Prom  the  above,  it  is  evident  that  the  agent 
was  either  a  mormon  or  altogether  in  the  inter- 
est of  the  mormons.  Gen.  Carr  participated  in 
the  expedition  against  the  Mormons  in  1858  and 
in  1859  in  the  expedition  against  the  Kiowas 
and  Comanches  and  was  at  Fort  Wichita,  when 
the  war  of  the  Kebellion  broke  out.  Since  the 
close  of  the  war  he  has  done  most  excellent  ser- 
vice against  the  Indians,  in  different  parts  of 
the  west.  Mormons  and  Indians  both  held  a 
grudge  against  him  and  as  neither  ever  forget 
an  injury  they  seized  the  first  good  opportunity 
to  get  even  with  him. 

President  Garfield  and  the  Mormons. 
GuiTEAu  A  Mormon. 

It  is  well  known  that  President  Garfield  was 
unalterably  opposed  to  Utah  mormonism  and 
that  he  was  doubly  pledged  to  put  hiis  fx»ot  on  it. 

We  cannot  positively   afiirm  tiiat  he  lost  his 


GUITEAU   A   MORMON.  307 

Jife  because  he  was  thus  opposed,  but  we  will 
give  some  reasons  why  this  might  be  so.  The 
following  is  from  the  Chicago  Morning  News, 
Oct.  1st  1881. 

''The  mormons  of  Colorado,  Texas  and  New  Mexico,  are 
greatly  elated  over  the  success  of  Guiteau  or  Utah  as  they 
call  him.  A  mormon  preacher,  Dr.  Sauntry,  whopassed 
down  the  Colorado  on  a  lecturing  tour  says  "that  Guiteau 
acted  under  orders  from  head  quarters  when  he  shot  the 
President."  He  also  said  that  more  deaths  would  follow  if 
Guiteau  was  hanged. 

"in  1871,  Guiteau  joined  the  Mormons,  in  Southern  Utah 
where  he  had  plural  wives.  When  the  Mormons  saw  that 
Garfield  in  his  inaugural  said  that  he  would  put  his  foot 
on  polygamy,  the  leaders  at  Salt  Lake  were  heard  to  say, 
'Yes,  if  we  do  not  put  our  loot  on  him  first.' 

"The  names  of  twenty  traveling  brethren,  as  suchmenas 
Guiteau  are  called,  were  selected.    The  lot  fell  on  Guiteau. 

It  was  against  the  wishes  of  the  leaders  to  shoot,  they 
preferring  poison  or  train  wrecking.  Guiteau  said,  'I 
know  my  business,'  and  was  allowed  to  concoct  his  own 
devilish  plan.  The  Mormons  are  determined  to  fight  in 
defense  of  v.I-.it  they  term  their  rights,  and  are  willing, 
if  cornered,  to  die  martyrs  to  their  holy  cause.  Serious 
apprehension  is  felt  all  through  the  Southwest,  where  the 
Mormons'  greatest  strength  is,  and  the  American  citizens 
who  live  among  them  are  afraid  to  speak  a  word  against 
their  villainous  theories.  The  mormon  dress  is  not  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  any  other  citizen  through  the  States 
and  it  is  a  difl&cult  matter  to  tell  when  we  are  met  bv  one 
of  that  lawless  'mob  who  intend,  as  they  say,  even  at  the 
expense  of  thousands  of  lives,  to  fight  their  way  into  recog- 
mtion  by  the  nations  of  the  world  as  a  people  who  have 
rights  which  others  must  respect." 


308  BRIGHAM   STILL   ALIVE. 

The  fact  that  Gniteau  has  constantly  persisted 
that  he  was  doing  the  will  of  God  and  that  he 
was  inspired  to  commit  the  murder  is  exact- 
ly in  keeping  with  the  spirit  and  teachings  of 
Mormonism.  He  is  very  religious,  studies  the 
Bible,  prays  and  continually  claims  to  have  been 
acting  under  the  direction  of  the  Almighty  in 
"removing  President  Garfield."  If  Guiteau  is 
not  insane  and  is  a  mormon,  his  conduct  would 
be  fully  explained.  President  Garfield  was  a 
bitter  foe,  and  had  been  ever  since  the  "Saints" 
were  driven  from  Ohio.  He  was  known  to  be  a 
man  who  would  carry  out  his  pledges  and  who 
would  not  be  driven  from  his  purposes  by  threats 
or  gold.  Hence  he  was  a  dangerous  man  for  the 
Saints  to  deal  with.  The  opposition  of  the  Stal- 
warts! the  revenge  of  Guiteau  needed  only  to  be 
inflamed  by  the  idea  that  the  people  of  God  were 
to  be  preserved  by  the  death  of  this  powerful  ru- 
ler and  that  a  "thus  saith  the  Lord,"  was  to  jus- 
tify him,  to  make  a  motive  powerful  enough  for 
the  commission  of  any  crime. 

Brigham  Young  Still  Alive. 

In  the  Chicago  Tribune  of  March  3d,  we  find  the  follow- 
ing: 

"Omaha,  Neb.,  March  3.  A  man  from  Salt  Lake  vis- 
iting in  this  city,  in  the  course  of  animated  conversation 
on  the  anti-mormon  movement,  said  he  believed  that  Brig- 
bam  Young  is  still  alive,    He  said  he  saw  the  body  whicb 


RESUKRECTION   DODGE.  309 

was  supposed  to  be  that  of  the  Mormon  leader,  and,  while 
it  might  have  borne  some  slight  resemblance  to  that  of 
Brigham  Young,  it  was  in  reality  that  of  some  other  per- 
son, fle  knew  of  a  hundred  Lalter-Day  Saints  who  also 
failed  to  recognize  the  body  as  that  of  Young.  He  had 
heard  Brigham  Young  often  predict  that  he  should  be  res- 
urrected from  the  dead,  and  he  firmly  believes  that  when 
the  crisis  arrives  in  the  affairs  of  tlie  Mormons,  the  res- 
urrection dodge  will  be  played  upon  the  ignorant,  super- 
stitious, and  fanatical  people  who  compose  the  Mormon 
Church.  This  cunning  plan  will  be  in  keeping  with  the 
various  tricks  and  pretensions  that  have  characterized  the 
Mormon  Church  since  its  inception.  Brigham  Young,  a 
shrewd  and  far-seeing  man,  knew  that  the  day  was  not  far 
off  when  a  vigorous  crusade  would  be  made  on  the  Moi- 
mon  Church,  and  he  adopted  the  resurrection  game,  to  be 
put  into  operation  at  a  time  when  the  people  shall  need 
something  in  the  shape  of  a  miracle  to  firmly  cement  them 
together  to  fight  to  maintain  the  principles  of  the  faith. 

The  man  who  made  these  statements  is  a  mormon,  but 
not  polygamist.  He  is  what  is  known  as  a  Josephite,  or 
a  believer  in  the  true  Mormon  Church  founded  by  Joseph 
Smith,  and  he  denies  with  all  Josephites,  that  polygamy 
was  ever  a  part  of  the  Mormon  faith  preached  by  Smith. 

He  is  extensively  engaged  in  business  in  Utah,  and  is  re- 
garded as  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  veracity.  While 
here  he  visited  some  of  the  Jos'ephites,  and  it  was  to  them 
that  he  made  revelations  of  the  plan  by  which  Brigham 
Young  is  to  create  the  greatest  sensation  of  modern  times. 
He  had  many  business  dealings  with  him.  He  asserts,  with 
the  complete  organization  and  secret  workings  of  the 
Church,  it  would  be  an  easy  matter  to  keep  Brigham  Young 
concealed  for  almost  any  length  of  time,  and  reproduce 
him  when  most  needed  to  revive  the  faith  of  believers  by 
his  apparent  resurrection.    That  his  resurrection  would  be 


810  BBIGHAM   STILL  ALIVE. 

taken  as  a  matter  of  fact  there  is  no  doubt,  and  the  super- 
stitious people  would  follow  the  Prophet's  banner  with  the 
zeal  of  fanatics  and  shed  their  blood  in  its  defense.  This 
Josephite's  statement  is  to  some  extent  confirmed  by  a  re- 
tired army  oflScer,  who  was  on  most  friendly  and  intimate 
terms  with  Brigham  Young.  This  oflacer,  who  viewed  the 
alleged  remains  of  Young,  has,  it  is  said,  made  the  asser- 
tion that  it  did  not  bear  the  slightest  resemblance  to  Brig- 
ham  YouDg."  « 

Brigham  Young's  death  occurred  just  at  the 
time  when  a  warrant  was  out  for  his  arrest  for 
complicity  in  the  Mountain  Meadow  massacre. 
He  was  only  sick  about  twenty-four  hours.  An 
attack  jof  cholera  morbus  is  said  to  have  been 
his  disease,  but  he  was  one  of  the  most  careful 
and  abstemious  of  men. 

When  Judge  Cradlebaugh  undertook  to  bring 
to  justice  those  concerned  in  the  Mountain 
Meadow  and  other  massacres,  a  great  many 
of  the  mormon  leaders  fled  to  Mount  Kolob, 
or  the  residence  of  the  Gods,  This  is  in  a  very 
mountainous  region,  and  almost  inaccessible. 

Here  they  remained  until  the  storm  blew  ov- 
er and  it  was  safe  to  return.  For  many  years 
the  mormons  have  been  accummulating  wheat 
and  other  provisions  in  certain  caves  and  hiding 
places  to  be  ready  in  case  of  a  siege,  and  I  have 
heard  them  say  that  they  could  live  in  the  moun- 
tains for  twenty  years.  If  Brigham  Young  is 
still  alive,  and  those  who  are  the  best  acquainted 


A   KINGDOM   IN    THE   SEA.  311 

with  mormon  tactics  will  be  the  most  ready  to 
believe  it,  he  is  most  likely  in  one  of  the  Islands 
of  the  Pacific.  It  has  long  been  well  understood 
among  the  leading  poljgamists  that  when  the 
United  States  government  could  no  longer  be 
trifled  with,  and  they  had  to  go,  that  they  would 
settle  in  one  of  those  balmy  Isles  of  the  calm 
Pacific  and  establish  a  kingdom  all  their  own, 
where  they  could  pass  the  evening  of  their  days 
in  calm  serenity,  untroubled  by  the  'cursed  gen- 
tiles.' To  this  end  they  have  had  extensive  mis- 
sions in  those  Islands  and  have  converted  many 
of  the  inhabitants  to  their  religion,  which  would 
not  be  di£Scult  to  do  since  they  are  already  poly- 
gamists.  It  requires  therefore  no  great  stretch 
of  the  imagination  ^  to  see  Brigham  Young  sit- 
ting on  his  throne  of  state  in  splendor,  surround- 
ed by  his  slaves  and  satellites,  and  having  a  ha- 
rem rivaling  in  extent  that  of  the  Sultan  himself. 
Whenever,  therefore,  these  shrewd  and  wily 
old  polygamists  make  up  their  minds  that  the 
people  of  the  United  States  are  really  in  earnest 
and  that  the  power  and  machinery  of  the  govern- 
ment will  be  turned  against  them,  and  their 
wives  and  children  and  property  confiscated,  and 
they  deprived  of  their  liberties,  then  and  not  un- 
til then  they  will  go. 


OUB  BOOKS. 


NOW  READY. 
ADVENTURES 

IN   THE 

FAKWEST; 

AND 

LIFE  AMONG  THE  MORMONS. 

BY 

MRS.  C.  V.  WAITE, 

Author  of  "The  Mormon  Prophet  and  His  Harem," 
**Thb  Law  of  Social  Retribution,"  "Woman's  Posi- 
tion in  Church  and  State,"  etc.  etc. 

If  you  want  to  be  entertained  by  reading  hair- 
breadth escapes,  attacks  by  Indians,  crossing  riv- 
ers, perilous  ascents  and  descents  of  mountains; 
READ  this  BOOK. 

If  you  want  to  learn  all  about  the  true  inward- 
ness of  MORMONISM  read  "ADYENTURES 
in  the  FAR  WEST." 

If  you  want  to  know  how  the  Mormon  Folyg- 
AMiST  lives  among  his  many  wives,  read  this 
BOOK. 


It  gives  a  fall  account  of  "The  Harem,  Pro- 
phet's Block,  Beigham's  Wives  ;  how  the  Wom- 
en look;  how  they  live;  how  they  endure  the 
horrors  of  Polygamy." 

If  you  want  to  read  a  good  story,  send  for  the 

AD  YEN  TUBES. 
350  pp.  handsomely  bound  in  cloth. 
Only,  $1.00.     The  usual  discount  to  the  trade. 
Send  orders  to  C.  Y.  Waite,  &  Company. 
33  Major  Block,  143,  LaSalle  St. 
CHICAGO. 

AND  BOO^  SELLERS  GENERALLY. 

1882. 
Price,  post-paid,  $1.00. 

Special  rates  for  fifty  copies  and  upwards,  in 
one  order,  to  one  address. 

HISTORY  OP  THE  CHRISTIAN  RELI- 
GION, to  the  year  200.  Price,  $2.25. 
Marian  Lee,  or  One  Woman's  Triais  and  Tri- 
umphs: By  Mrs.  M.  E.  De  Geer.     Price,  $1.00. 

The  History  of  the  Temperance  Reform,  by 
Rev.  James  Shaw.     530  pp.     Price,  $2.00. 

The  Defence  of  Free  Masonry,  by  Mrs. 
M.  E.  DeGeer.     Price,  bound  in  cloth,  $1.00. 

Any  of  the  above  sent,  post-paid,  on  receipt  of 
price.  To  accommodate  our  patrons  we  will 
send  any  book  to  be  had  in  Chicago,  promptly. 

Send  us  an  order. 

G.  Y.  WAITE  &  COMPANY. 


Illinois  Gentral  R.  R. 

THE  SHORTEST,    QUICKEST,    AND  ONLY    DIRECT 

Eoute  between 
CHICAGO  AND  NEW  ORLEANS, 

MEMPHIS,  VICKSBURG  AND  MOBILE. 

The  only  Route  running 
PALACE  SLEEPING  CARS 

THROUGH   BETWEEN 

Chicago  and  N.  Orleans,  without  change. 

The  Quickest  Route  Between 

CHICAGO  and  ST.  LOUIS 

WITHOUT  CHANGE   of  CARS. 
PALACE  SLEEPING  CARS  between   CHICAOO 
and  ST.  LOUIS,  making  direct  connections  at  St.  Louis,  in 
Union  Depot  to  and  from  Kansas  City,  Atchison,  Leaven- 
worth, St.  Joseph,  and  all  points  West. 

The  Shortest  and  only  ROUTE  between  CHICAGO  and 
CAIRO  tDitJiout  CHANGE  of  CARS. 

Making  direct  connections  at  CAIRO  (or  St.  Louis,)  to  and 
from  LITTLE  ROCK,  HOT  SPRINGS,  DALLAS,  FORT 
WORTH,  HOUSTON,  GALVESTON  &  SAN  ANTONIA. 
This  is  the  shortest  route  between 
CHICAGO  AND  ARKANSAS  AND  TEXAS. 
A  Direct  Route  to  Springfield,  Peoria  and  Keokuk,  without 
change  of  CARS. 

For  Tickets  and  information,  apply  at  the  I.  C.  R.  R. 
Ticket  Office,  121  Randolph  Street  (near  Clark),  and  at  the 
Depot,  foot  of  Lake  Street. 

A.  H.  HANSON, 

Gen'l  Passenger  Agent. 


TAKE  THE 
CHICAGO 
BURLINGTON  &  QUINCT 

EAIL  ROAD, 

Burlington  Route. 

IT   IS   THE   GREAT 
THROUGH      CAR      LINE 

From  CHICAGO  to  all  Points  in  the 

WEST      AND      SOUTH      WEST, 

AND   18   THE 

FINEST  EQUIPPED 

EAIL      E    0    A    D 
I  N      T  H  E 

WORLD. 

T.  J.  POTTER,  (PERCEVAL  LOWELL, 
Gen'l  Manager.     \  Gen'l  Passenger  Ag't. 

Chicago. 


THREE  GREAT  CITIES  of  the  WEST. 


LINKED   TOGETHER   BY   THE 

Chicago  &  Alton  R.  R. 

No  Change  of  Cars  )  CHICAGO  &  KANSAS  CITY, 


OF   ANY   CLASS 


BETWEEN 


CHICAGO  &  ST.  LOUIS, 

AND 

ST.  LOUIS  &  KANSAS  CITY. 
Union  Depots  in  EAST  ST.  LOUIS.  ST.  LOUIS,  KAN- 
SAS CITY,  and  CHICAGO     No  other  line  rans 

PALACE  DINING  CARS 
between  CHICAGO  and  KANSAS  Ll'lT,  CHICAGO  and 
ST.  LOUIS,  and  ST.  LOUIS  and  KANSAS  CITY.  Meals 
equal  to  those  served  m  any  First-Class  Hotel,  only  75  cents. 
The  finest  PALACE  RECLINING  CHAIR  CARS  in  the 
world  are  run  in  all  Through  Trains,  day  and  night,  with- 
out change,  and  Free  of  EXTRA  CHARGE. 

PULLMAN  PALACE  SLEEPING  GARS 
the  finest,  beat  and  safest  in  use  anywhere.     The  best  and 
quickest  route  from  CHICAGO  TO  MEMPHIS,  MOBILE, 
NEW  ORLEANS,  and  aU  points  SOUTH  via  ST.  LOUIS. 
The  Short  Line  to  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Texas,  Kansas, 
Colorado,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Nebraska,  Oregon, 
California,  etc.    The  GREAT  EXCURSION  ROUTE  be- 
tween the  NORTH  and  SOUTH,  and  to  and  from  KANSAS 
Lands  and  Colorado  Health  Resorts  and  Mixing  Dis- 
tricts.   SEE  that  your  tickets  read  via  '  'CHICAGO  &  AL- 
TON RAILROAD."    For  Maps,  Time  Tables,  &c„  address 
JAMES  CHARLTON,  General  Passenger  and 
Ticket  Agent,  210  Dearborn  St.,  Comer  Adams,  CHICAGO. 
J.  C.  McMULLIN,  General  Manager, 


AKE  YOU  GOmG  WEST? 

TAKE   THE 

UNION  PAGIFI G 

RAILWAY. 

THE  ONLY  DIRECT  ROUTE  TO 

CALIFORNIA  and  the  TERRITORIES. 

All  persons  contemplating  removal  to  COLORADO, 
WYOMING,  the  BLACK  HILLS,  UTAH,  IDAHO,  MON- 
TANA, OREGON,  WASHINGTON  or  CALIFORNIA, 
should  correspond  with 

J.  W.  MORSE,  General  Passenger  Agt., 
UNION  PACIFIC  RAILROAD,  Omaha, 
Nebraska,  before  purchasing  tickets  via 
any  other  line. 

Information  of  value  relative  to  routes, 
rates,  inducements  to  settlers,  etc.,  togeth- 
er with  carefully  prepared  and  reliable 
publications  descriptive  of  the  STATES 
and  TERRITORIES  named,  will  be  mail- 
ed FREE,  upon  application  to 

J.  W.  MORSE,  General  Passenger  Agent, 
OMAHA,  NEBRASKA,  or. 
D.  E.  CORNELL, 

KANSAS  CITY,  MISSOURI, 


Chicago  8b  Eastern  Illinois 

AND 

DANVILLE  ROUTE 

TO    THE    SOUTH    AND    SOUTHEAST. 


Chicago  and  Kashville  Short  Line, 

Fifty  miles  the  shortest  route  from  Chicago  to  Nashville, 
Tennessee,  with  only  ONE  CHANGE  of  cars  for  ALL 
CLASSES  of  passengers,  an  advantage  offered  by  NO 
OTHER  LINE. 


Quick    Time   and   Sure    Connections 


ELEGANT  SLEEPING  CARS 

on  all  night  trains— close  connections  made  at  Nashville  for 
CHATTANOOGA,  SAVANNAH. 

ATLANTA,  CHARLESTON, 

MACON.  JACKSONVILLE, 

.     AUGUSTA,  FERNANDINA 

and  all  other  points  in 
GEORGIA, 

SOUTH  CAROLINA, 

AND  FLORIDA. 
Parties  who  intend  to  visit  Florida,   should  send  to  the 
andersigned  for  "Fk'iida  Guide"  containing  full  informa- 
tion in  regard  to  popular  resorts.,  etc,  etc  ,  also  maps,  time 
tables  and  full  information  furnished  on  application  to 

A.  S.  DUNHAM, 
Gen'l  Passenger  and  Ticket  Agent, 
O,  8.  LYFORD,  Superintendent,  CHICAGO. 

WM.  HILL,  Northwestern  Passenger  Agent. 


Chicago  &  North  Western 
RAILWAY, 

Comprising  Trunk  Lines  to  and  from 

THE     WEST    AND     NORTH     WEST. 

THE  AMERICAN  OYERLAND  ROUTE, 
Chicago,  Council  Bluffs 
AND    CALIFORNIA    LINE.  • 

Council  Blnfi-s  and  Omaha  Line;  Sioux  City 
and  Southern  Dakota  Line. 

TWO  ROUTES  TO  DENYER. 

Chicago  SAINT  PAUL  and  MINNEAPOLIS  Line,  via 
Beloit  and  Madison. 

Minnesota  and  Central  Dakota  Line,  and  Huron,  Pierre 
and  DEAD  WOOD  Lines. 

Milwaukee,   Green  Bay  and  Marquette 

Line;  Jauesville,  Watertown  and  Fond  Du  Lac  Line. 

I'his  is  the  ONLY  Line  ranning  PULLMAN  PALACE 
SLEEPING  CARS  between  CHICAGO  ST.  PAUL  &  MIN- 
NEAPOLIS. 

The  DINING  CAR  ROUTE  between  CHICAGO  and 
COUNCIL  BLUFFS  and  CHICAGO  &  ST.  PAUL. 
Ticket  Offices  in  CHICAGO: 
62  Clark   St.    Grand  Pacific  Hotel.    Pahner 
House  and  Depot.     All  Trains  from  Passenger  Station,  cor.- 
Wells  and  Kinzie  Sts. 

W.  H-  Stennbtt,  General  Passenger  Agent. 


VS^^f^tc.^"^ 


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^5^^\-1 


